license plate

noun

1. a plate or tag, usually of metal, bearing evidence of official registration and permission, as for the use of a motor vehicle.

license plate

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): numberplate. a plate mounted on the front and back of a motor vehicle bearing the registration number

Word History and Origins

Origin of license plate¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

This can involve mapping a suspected gang member’s network using arrest logs and license plate reader data, or flagging individuals in a specific region with a particular immigration status.

From Salon

They walked around for 10 minutes scratching their heads, finally leaving behind their own memento: a car license plate they both autographed.

From Los Angeles Times

The caller knew her workplace and her license plate.

From BBC

Authorities said the children were seen walking away from the foster care home and may now be traveling in a black 2008 PT Cruiser with Indiana license plate DFT105.

From Los Angeles Times

Locals also said Thursday that they are also concerned about a well-known “party house” next door to where Kaye and DeLuca lived, and described seeing multiple cars without license plates in the area.

From Los Angeles Times