What does minivan mean?
A minivan is a compact van designed to carry passengers, usually with several rows of seats, sliding side doors, and a flexible arrangement for luggage. It is especially common in North America as a family vehicle, though British speakers often say people carrier or minibus. The term also covers compact passenger vans used by hotels, airports, and other organizations. Unlike a conventional van used mainly for cargo, a minivan is designed around passengers; unlike a large bus, it is generally smaller and intended for private or small-group transport. The word combines mini-, meaning small, with van. It is useful because it identifies a specific vehicle category that is more precise than van and more approachable than the technical abbreviation MPV. In everyday conversation, minivan suggests practicality and family travel, although it can also sound mildly informal or suburban.
nounA compact van designed to carry passengers, typically with several rows of seats, sliding side doors, and space for luggage.
- A compact passenger van, usually equipped with multiple rows of seats and sliding side doors, used for family transport, luggage, or small-group travel.
"We took the children to the airport in our family minivan."
"The family packed the minivan before leaving for the long drive."
"The hotel provided a minivan for guests attending the conference."
The standard plural adds -s and is used for multiple vehicles of this type.
"The dealership sells several used minivans with low mileage."
The minivan turned the family car into a mobile lounge, with sliding doors that helped turn parking spaces into loading zones.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minivan come from?
Minivan is an English compound formed from mini-, meaning small, and van, a vehicle used for transporting people or goods. The mini- element comes from Latin mini-, derived from minor, meaning smaller. The compound became established in English during the 1980s as compact passenger vans became increasingly common in family and commercial use.
How minivan is actually used
Neutral and common in everyday North American English. In British English, people carrier and minibus are also frequent alternatives. The term is more specific than van because it identifies a vehicle designed primarily for passengers rather than cargo.
Easily confused with minivan
A minivan is a small passenger vehicle intended for private or small-group transport, whereas a minibus is generally a larger bus used for commercial or public transportation.