What does limousine mean?
A limousine is a large, luxurious passenger vehicle, most often a long, chauffeur-driven car with spacious seating. It can also refer to a luxury van or bus used for weddings, parties, airport transfers, and other special occasions. The word often suggests comfort, privacy, and conspicuous expense, so in a social context it may carry a mildly status-conscious or extravagant connotation. Although the term is sometimes used loosely for any large car, it more specifically denotes a vehicle designed or arranged to emphasize luxury and passenger comfort. The associated verb means to travel in such a vehicle and is especially associated with American usage. In Britain and the United States, “limousine” is far more common than the alternative “stretch limousine,” which specifies an elongated car with additional passenger space.
A large, luxurious automobile, often driven by a chauffeur, or a luxury van or bus used for groups.
"They hired a limousine for the journey to the reception."
The word commonly implies exceptional comfort, space, and expense.
To travel in a limousine.
"We limousined from downtown to the airport."
This verbal use is chiefly American and is relatively uncommon.
The regular plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"Several white limousines lined the entrance to the venue."
The word originally described a hooded carriage whose raised front compartment gave it an enclosed appearance—its name comes from France's Limousin region.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does limousine come from?
The word entered English through French limousine, originally a type of enclosed carriage associated with the Limousin region of central France. Its early English use referred to a carriage with a raised, enclosed front compartment, whose appearance helped inspire the name. The modern sense for a luxury automobile developed during the twentieth century as limousines became associated with wealthy passengers and chauffeurs.
Related word forms
How limousine is actually used
In everyday use, the word usually implies conspicuous luxury and may sometimes carry a slightly extravagant or status-conscious connotation. The verb is chiefly American and is much less common than the noun.