A motorcycle, moped, or similar small powered two-wheeler, especially in some regional or travel contexts.
Examples
He hired a moto to reach the beach road.
A line of motos waited outside the station.
She crossed town on the back of a moto taxi.
The old moto backfired in the alley.
They sell helmets beside the moto repair shop.
Similar words
motorcycle
motorbike
bike
moped
scooter
two-wheeler
cycle
ride
Musical motion or spirit
noun
music
technical
Movement, motion, or spirited forward drive in music, especially in directions such as con moto.
Examples
The score marks the theme con moto.
In the phrase moto contrario, the voices move in opposite directions.
The conductor asked for more moto in the middle section.
A little moto keeps the slow movement from dragging.
The instruction con moto gives the melody a gentle push.
Similar words
motion
movement
energy
drive
spirit
animation
momentum
pace
Ride a moto
verb
transportation
informal
To ride or travel by motorcycle, moped, or a similar small powered two-wheeler.
Examples
They motoed along the coast before sunset.
He likes to moto through the hills on weekends.
We motoed back to the village after lunch.
She is motoing across the island this summer.
The group will moto from cafe to cafe tomorrow.
Similar words
ride
motor
cruise
travel
bike
tour
drive
scoot
Etymology
The racing sense is shortened from motocross, first recorded in the 1970s. The vehicle sense shortens or borrows motorcycle words in several languages, and the musical sense comes from Italian moto, meaning motion.
FAQ
What does moto mean in motocross?
In motocross or BMX, a moto is one race or heat in a series.
Can moto mean motorcycle?
Yes. In some informal or regional English, moto means a motorcycle, moped, or small powered two-wheeler.
What does con moto mean?
In music, con moto means with motion or with a sense of forward movement.
Is moto the same as motto?
No. Moto can refer to racing, a motorbike, or musical motion. Motto means a guiding phrase.
Is MOTO payment the same entry as moto?
No. MOTO is an uppercase abbreviation for mail order or telephone order, and it belongs to a separate abbreviation entry.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.