Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
⚙️ All-wheel drive system 🚙 With all-wheel drive
AWD

AWD

3 3.8
A system that sends power to all four wheels to give better grip
  • noun
  • /ˌeɪˌdʌbəlˈjuːˈdiː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de tracción en las cuatro ruedas
  • Please just make sure it's got some horsepower and it's AWD.
  • AWD system
  • AWD drive
  • AWD model

Examples

  • We would all love manual, AWD, and the biggest motor you can stuff into the engine bay.

    Blog text (31)

  • Also, make manual transmissions and AWD available with all three engines!

    Blog text (31)

  • Wagon, Diesel, AWD... is it too much to ask?

    Blog text (31)

  • Besides, my wife misses the security of having AWD/4WD.

    Blog text (16)

  • Now make it a wagon, put in AWD, and a manual gearbox.

    Blog text (31)

  • The V40 T5 AWD Cross Country also has a practical hill hold function that makes starting on a hill easier.

    Blog text (24)

  • Love the idea of the 2.0 Turbo with a 6-speed and AWD.

    Blog text (31)

  • Would love to see a Fusion AWD wagon, especially with an EcoBoost 4-cylinder.

    Blog text (31)

  • Even if it had to be some special order-only deal, I'd rather pay extra for an AWD Fusion wagon than buy someone else's brand.

    Blog text (31)

  • The new SUV features AWD to ensure better traction during winter driving conditions.

Synonyms

four-wheel drive
vsAWD
  • Specialized
16 3.4

A system that powers all four wheels for better grip on rough or slippery ground

focuses on improving handling and traction generally not only on rough surfaces
4WD
vsAWD
  • Specialized
3.2

A car or truck that gives power to all four wheels for better grip on rough, slippery roads

focuses on improving handling and traction generally not only on rough surfaces

Surface Forms

AWD singular
AWDs plural

Morphology

AWD = all-wheel drive (opaque) = A + W + D

The phrase 'all-wheel drive' directly names the system that the abbreviation expands to. [Postprocessing: changed transparency from 'transparent' to 'semi-transparent' for abbreviation]

Etymology

AWD stands for all-wheel drive, which literally means 'all' wheels receive the engine's power. As a system, AWD is the parts that send power to every wheel so the car has better traction and control.