Haul Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚚

Add to dictionary

haul

[hɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

transportation

To pull or drag with effort or force; to carry or transport with a vehicle or vessel.

Synonyms

carry, drag, pull, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haul	Used when moving something heavy or with effort, often for long distances or larger loads. They had to haul the old couch up three flights of stairs
drag	Implying effort and resistance, usually when something heavy or bulky is being pulled along the ground. Often has a negative connotation. He had to drag the broken bicycle home
pull	Used when moving something usually with a steady, sustained effort, often towards oneself. You need to pull the door to open it; it's not a push door
transport	Refers to moving goods or people from one place to another, often using vehicles or other means of conveyance. Typically used in formal or technical contexts. The company specializes in transporting goods across the country
carry	Commonly used when holding or supporting something to move it from one place to another, typically small or light objects. She can carry the groceries by herself

Examples of usage

He hauled the heavy box up the stairs.
The truck hauled the cargo across the country.
We need to haul the equipment to the construction site.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fishing

The quantity of fish caught in a single fishing trip or season.

Synonyms

catch, harvest, take.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haul	Used commonly when talking about transporting a large amount of something, especially over a long distance. It can also refer to gaining something valuable in a figurative sense. The truck will haul the goods to the warehouse. They hauled in a huge catch of fish.
catch	Often used when talking about capturing or collecting something, usually in the context of fishing or hunting. The fishermen had a good catch today. He managed to catch the ball just in time.
harvest	Primarily used in agricultural contexts, when it comes to the collection of crops or other cultivated produce. Can also be used figuratively to describe gathering a large amount of something over time. The farmers are ready to harvest the wheat. They have worked hard to harvest data over the years.
take	A very general term used for acquiring or receiving something. Can have a negative connotation in contexts involving theft or unwanted possession. He will take the train to the city. She decided to take the day off.

Examples of usage

The fishermen had a good haul today.
They were impressed by the size of the haul.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Transportation

In the shipping industry, 'haul' can refer to the distance goods are transported, influencing costs and logistics.
The trucking industry often uses 'long-haul' to describe trips that cover hundreds of miles, which are crucial for trade.
Hauling freight is a vital part of global commerce, representing how goods move from point A to B.

Cultural References

The phrase 'haul something in' often appears in fishing, emphasizing the effort required to catch large fish.
In pop culture, phrases like 'drug haul' in law enforcement point to the significant quantities of illegal substances seized.
The word is often used in challenge contexts, like 'haul videos' on social media where people showcase their shopping finds.

Economics

Companies measure the 'hauling capacity' of trucks to optimize supply chain efficiency, affecting delivery times.
The haulage sector is a crucial component of the economy, affecting costs of goods based on transportation efficiencies.
In agriculture, 'hauling' is important for moving harvests to market, showcasing the need for effective farming logistics.

Sports

Sports like weightlifting involve hauling heavy weights for competition, demonstrating strength and endurance.
In outdoor activities, hauling gear is essential for camping or climbing, where participants bring necessary supplies.
Crew teams in rowing also focus on the 'haul' of their boat, as they work to move effectively through the water.

Origin of 'haul'

Main points about word origin

The word 'haul' comes from the Old Norse word 'halda', which means to drag or pull.
It became popular around the late 14th century, initially used in relation to boats or pulling loads.
The term has evolved to include a variety of contexts, from moving goods to catching fish.

The word 'haul' originated from the Old French word 'haleir' which means 'to pull, drag'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'haul(en)' with a similar meaning. The term has been used in the context of transportation and fishing for centuries, reflecting the physical effort involved in pulling or carrying heavy loads or harvesting fish from the sea.

See also: haulers, hauling, overhaul, overhauler.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,747 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
7744 dissemination
7745 graded
7746 affirm
7747 haul
7748 adsorption
7749 chorus
7750 stripped
...