NYT Dictionary

MOTOR

/ˈmoʊtəɹ/
NounAdjectiveVerbMO-tormo-tor · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *m(y)ewh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *-éyeti Proto-Indo-European *m(y)owh₁éyeti Proto-Italic *moweō Latin moveō Proto-Indo-European *-tōr Proto-Italic *-tōr Latin -tor Latin mōtorder. Middle English motour English motor From Middle English motour (“controller, prime mover; God”), from Latin mōtor (“mover; that which moves something”), from mōtō (“to set in motion”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

driveenginekickermotocentrifugalmotiveactiveanvilapplianceauto

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 11 recorded puzzles:

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