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Definition of minivan

minivan

/ˈmɪn.iˌvæn/
min · i · van
Plural:minivans
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minivan Lexical Profile

minivan Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A small passenger van, typically featuring a box-like shape, rear sliding doors, and three rows of seats, primarily designed for family transport.

Example

"They decided to buy a minivan to comfortably transport their three children and all of their soccer gear."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for minivan

• Nearby Words

minibus
minipig
ministrable
minivan
minivet
minjiang
mink

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century, formed by combining the prefix 'mini-' (small) with 'van' (originally a shortening of 'caravan'). The modern concept and popularization of the term date to the introduction of family-oriented models in the early 1980s.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Minivan. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/minivan
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