Van
Definition
Van refers to a type of vehicle typically used for transporting goods or people. It can also mean the leading position in a movement or group, often used metaphorically or historically.
Parts of Speech
- Noun
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /væn/
- Respelling: VAN
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /væn/
- Respelling: VAN
Etymology
The word "van" originates from the shortening of "caravan," which is derived from Persian "karwan," meaning a group of travelers. In English, the term was first used in the 19th century to describe a covered vehicle for transporting goods.
Derivatives
- Vanload (noun)
- Vanning (verb, rare)
- Minivan (noun)
- Vanlike (adjective)
- Campervan (noun)
Synonyms
- Truck
- Wagon
- Vehicle
Antonyms
- None
Usage
The noun "van" is used primarily in transportation contexts. For example: "The delivery company used a van to transport packages." It can also be used metaphorically, e.g., "She was at the van of the movement for equality."
Related Terms
- Caravan: A large vehicle used for living or traveling.
- Truck: A larger motor vehicle used for transporting goods.
- Fleet: A group of vehicles operated by an organization.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- A motor vehicle used for transporting goods or people: Refers to the common vehicle type.
- Example: "The florist delivered the bouquets in a small van."
- The forefront of a movement or group: Refers to the leading position, often metaphorically.
- Example: "He was in the van of technological innovation."
van
The florist delivered the bouquets in a small van.
He was in the van of technological innovation.
She was at the van of the movement for equality.
🇨🇳 Mandarin (Simplified Chinese)
- 面包车
- IPA: /miàn bāo chē/
- English Respell: Miànbāochē
- 货车
- IPA: /huò chē/
- English Respell: Huòchē
🇮🇳 Hindi
- वान
- IPA: /ʋaːn/
- English Respell: Vaan
- वैन
- IPA: /ʋæn/
- English Respell: Vain
🇪🇸 Spanish
- Furgoneta
- IPA: /fuɾɣoˈneta/
- English Respell: Furgoneta
- Van
- IPA: /van/
- English Respell: Van
🇫🇷 French
- Fourgonnette
- IPA: /fuʁɡɔnɛt/
- English Respell: Fourgonnette
- Camionnette
- IPA: /ka.mjo.nɛt/
- English Respell: Camionnette
🇸🇦 Modern Standard Arabic
- فان
- IPA: /faːn/
- English Respell: Faan
- شاحنة صغيرة
- IPA: /ʃaħinah saɣiːrah/
- English Respell: Shahnah Saghirah
🇧🇩 Bengali
- ভ্যান
- IPA: /bʱæn/
- English Respell: Bhan
- ভ্যান
- IPA: /bʱæn/
- English Respell: Bhan
🇷🇺 Russian
- Фургон
- IPA: /fʊrˈɡon/
- English Respell: Furgon
- Микроавтобус
- IPA: /mʲɪkrɐɐfˈtobʊs/
- English Respell: Mikroavtobus
🇵🇹 Portuguese
- Furgão
- IPA: /fuɾˈgɐ̃w̃/
- English Respell: Furgão
- Van
- IPA: /vɐ̃/
- English Respell: Van
🇮🇩 Indonesian
- Van
- IPA: /van/
- English Respell: Van
- Mobil van
- IPA: /ˈmo.bil van/
- English Respell: Mobil van
🇩🇪 German
- Van
- IPA: /fan/
- English Respell: Van
- Kleintransporter
- IPA: /klaɪ̯n.tʁansˈpɔʁtɐ/
- English Respell: Kleintransporter
🇯🇵 Japanese
- バン
- IPA: /ban/
- English Respell: Ban
- ワゴン車
- IPA: /waɡoɴʃa/
- English Respell: Wagon-sha
🇻🇳 Vietnamese
- Xe tải
- IPA: /se tai˨˩/
- English Respell: Xe tải
- Xe hơi
- IPA: /se hɔi˧˥/
- English Respell: Xe hoi
🇰🇷 Korean
- 밴
- IPA: /bæn/
- English Respell: Baen
- 화물차
- IPA: /hwamulcha/
- English Respell: Hwamulcha
🇹🇷 Turkish
- Van
- IPA: /van/
- English Respell: Van
- Panelvan
- IPA: /panelˈvan/
- English Respell: Panelvan
🇵🇰 Urdu
- وین
- IPA: /veɪn/
- English Respell: Vain
- وین
- IPA: /veɪn/
- English Respell: Vain
