Words / B1

NUMB-uh-playt/ˈnʌmbəpleɪt/

A numberplate (also number plate) is the UK plate that shows a vehicle’s registration number (US license plate). Cars have front and rear numberplates, and cameras and car parks read them. A personalised numberplate is bought as a show-off plate. Countable.

Meaning

The sign on a vehicle that shows its registration number (UK; also number plate; US license plate).

Examples

• “Mud was covering the numberplate, so the camera might not read it.”
• “The front numberplate fell off on the speed bump, so we tied it on with a cable tie.”
• “She ordered a new numberplate online after the old one cracked in the frost.”

Good to know

a numberplate (UK; also number plate). US: a license plate. Contrast: a tax disc (old UK windscreen disc, now abolished).

Near in meaning

number plate, license plate

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