Carriage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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carriage

[หˆkerษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

A vehicle with four wheels drawn by horses, used for transporting people or goods.

Synonyms

buggy, coach, wagon.

Examples of usage

  • The carriage rolled down the cobblestone street.
  • We took a carriage ride through the park.
Context #2 | Noun

railways

A separate section of a train for carrying passengers or goods.

Synonyms

car, coach, compartment.

Examples of usage

  • She sat in the first-class carriage.
  • The luggage was stored in the baggage carriage.
Context #3 | Noun

baby transport

A wheeled vehicle for conveying a baby in a seated position.

Synonyms

buggy, pram, stroller.

Examples of usage

  • The baby slept peacefully in the carriage.
  • She pushed the carriage along the sidewalk.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'carriage' comes from the Middle French 'carriage', meaning 'to carry'.
  • Early carriages were developed in the 15th century and were often luxuriously decorated for the wealthy.
  • Horse-drawn carriages were a primary form of transportation before the invention of automobiles.

Cultural Significance

  • In Victorian England, carriages were a symbol of social status, often used during parades and ceremonies.
  • Carriages are commonly depicted in fairy tales, such as Cinderella's pumpkin carriage, representing magic and transformation.
  • In many cultures, traditional weddings feature horse-drawn carriages as a romantic means of transport.

Transportation Evolution

  • The design of carriages paved the way for the development of early automobiles by influencing their structure.
  • There are various types of carriages, including stagecoaches for passengers and freight wagons for transporting goods.
  • With the rise of rail transport in the 19th century, railway carriages became a crucial part of long-distance travel.

Modern Usage

  • Today, decorative carriages are often used in parades, festivals, and tourist attractions, showcasing their historical charm.
  • While horse-drawn carriages are less common now, they're still popular in some cities for scenic rides and special events.
  • The term 'carriage' is also used in the design of car seats for infants, reflecting the importance of safe transportation.

Literature and Art

  • Carriages are frequently featured in classic literature, often representing wealth, travel, or the passage between different social classes.
  • Famous artists have portrayed carriages in paintings, capturing their elegance and importance in historical contexts.
  • In poetry, carriages can symbolize journeys or transitions in life, often conveying deeper meanings about human experience.

Origin of 'carriage'

The word 'carriage' originated in the late 14th century from the Old North French 'cariage', which meant 'a wheeled vehicle'. Over time, it evolved to refer to various types of vehicles used for transportation, including horse-drawn carriages and railway carriages. The term has continued to be used in modern times to describe different forms of transport vehicles.


See also: car, carat, caravan, carcass, carouse, carp, carpet, carport.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,790, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.