minivan

Etymology

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.

noun

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

verb

  1. To travel or transport in a small van.