subcompactadj.n.
/ˌsʌbˈkɒmpakt/, U.S. /ˈsəbˈkɑmˌpæk(t)/ North American.
A. adj.
Designating a car that is smaller than a compact. Cf. compact adj.1 3c.Defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as having between 85 and 99 cubic feet of interior volume.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor car > [adjective] > small
compact1960
subcompact1960
micro-car1980
1960 Los Angeles Times 4 Jan. ii. 6/5 Ford Motor Co. is known to be working on a four-cylinder engine for use on a new sub-compact car to compete with Volkswagen and Renault.
1980 Times 12 Dec. 24/3 Chrysler extended the close-down of its Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant, which makes subcompact cars.
1994 United Church Observer Feb. 37/1 Known for his frugality and genuine modesty—he proudly drove a sub-compact Chevette while serving as moderator.
B. n.
A subcompact car.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor car > [noun] > small or light
voiturette1897
light car1901
baby1920
minicar1948
poodler1951
micromotor1953
compact1960
subcompact1960
roller skate1961
super-compact1962
micro-car1980
1960 Wall St. Jrnl. 23 Feb. 5 (advt.) Lark presents proven facts, not hopeful claims—on 6-passenger cars, not 5-passenger sub-compacts!
1971 Flying Apr. 68/2 (advt.) A different-looking subcompact with the spirit of a sporty car.
2007 Volkswagen Driver Mar. 57/3 VW boss Adrian Hallmark is..keen to add a sub-compact to the mix priced below $15,000.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
adj.n.1960