What does minibus mean?
A minibus is a small bus designed to carry a limited number of passengers. It is commonly used for school transport, hotel and airport shuttles, employee transport, and organised group travel. The word is especially frequent in British English, where “minibus” can refer to a regular school vehicle or a service provided for visitors, though it is also understood in American English and other varieties. Compared with “bus,” “minibus” emphasizes the vehicle’s smaller size and usually implies a more limited or specialised passenger capacity. The term is commonly paired with phrases such as “school minibus” and “minibus service.” It should not be confused with “minivan”: a minibus is essentially a small bus, while a minivan is generally a smaller road vehicle used for passengers or goods.
nounA small bus designed to carry a limited number of passengers, often used for shuttle services, group travel, or transporting children to and from school.
- A small bus, especially one used for school transport, airport or hotel shuttles, or local group travel.
"The minibus arrived at the hotel to collect the tour group."
"Children waited by the school gates for the minibus."
"We hired a minibus for the journey to the conference."
The standard plural is “minibuses.”
"Two minibuses were waiting outside the station."
Minibus means a bus on a smaller scale: a compact shared vehicle with a name that combines “mini” and “bus.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minibus come from?
The word was formed in English in the mid-20th century by combining “mini-” with “bus.” The combining form “mini-” comes from Latin minimus, meaning “smallest,” which also lies behind words such as “minimum,” “minor,” “minute,” and “minuscule.” The compound “minibus” was adopted as a name for a small bus, and the sense later extended naturally to shuttle and school-transport services.
How minibus is actually used
The term is especially common in British English and is often used for regular school or shuttle transport. In other varieties it may sound more institutional or commercial than the more general term “bus.”
Easily confused with minibus
A minibus is a small bus that carries passengers in a larger shared vehicle, whereas a minivan is generally a smaller passenger car or vehicle designed for private use.