motorized

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motorize

An item or vehicle that's motorized has an engine or machine that makes it move.

You probably know what I mean by "motor" - like a car with wheels and a gas tank. When something is motorized, it usually means it needs fuel to work - so you can think of things like cars, bikes, lawnmowers, or even some types of wheelchairs as motorized. In everyday life, people often use the word "motorized" when talking about transportation or gadgets that help with household chores. For example, if someone says they're trading in their old bike for a motorized one, it means the new bike has an engine and can go faster without pedaling.

How common is "motorized"?

Word motorized is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To fit something with a motor.
Example: Most canoe aficionados would argue that motorizing a canoe removes the pleasurable aspects of traveling in one.
To supply something or someone with motor vehicles.
Example: Once Jack decided to motorize his paper delivery route, he found he could reach far more subscribers.
To supply armoured vehicles; to mechanize.
Example: The refit plan recommended that the first battalion be motorized to upgrade their offensive capabilities.

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adjective

Equipped with a motor.
Example: Some would argue that a moped is little more than a motorized bicycle, but others would disagree.
Supplied with motor vehicles.
Example: Because the medic had been supplied with a jeep, he and his aide were classed as a motorized detachment.

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Real examples of "motorized" in context

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Go Claws Out While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Entertainment

Because the ones that you drive, and then you also have the ones that you walk with, but they're motorized.

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