NYT Dictionary

MINIVAN

/mˈɪnivˈæn/
NounVerbMINI-vanmini-van · 2 syllablesGrade 3

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025

Meaning

A small van, especially (Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines) one primarily used for family transport.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From mini- + van. First widely used in the 1980s, when this class of vehicles became widely popular as an alternative to station wagons (estate cars). Attested earlier in technical usage, usually as mini-van.

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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