/ væn; NAmE / noun
1.
a covered vehicle with no side windows in its back half, usually smaller than a lorry / truck, used for carrying goods or people :
a furniture van
a police van (= for carrying police officers or prisoners)
a delivery van
a van driver
2.
( NAmE ) a covered vehicle with side windows, usually smaller than a lorry / truck, that can carry about twelve passengers
3.
( BrE ) a closed coach / car on a train for carrying bags, cases, etc. or mail :
a luggage van
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IDIOMS
- in the van
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WORD ORIGIN
noun early 19th cent.: shortening of caravan .
idsym. early 17th cent.: abbreviation of vanguard .