1. 1. A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance: a space vehicle.
   2. A self-propelled conveyance that runs on tires; a motor vehicle.
2. A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished: His novels are a vehicle for his political views.
3. The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in "Life's but a walking shadow" (Shakespeare).
4. A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.
5. A substance of no therapeutic value used to convey an active medicine for administration.
6. A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.

[Latin vehiculum, from vehere, to carry.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.