Truck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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truck

[trÊŒk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on the road

A large, heavy motor vehicle used for transporting goods or groups of people.

Synonyms

lorry, pickup, van.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truck

Mostly used in American English to refer to a large, heavy vehicle used for transporting goods over long distances.

  • The truck delivered the furniture to our new house.
  • He drives a truck for a living.
lorry

Primarily used in British English to denote a large vehicle used for transporting goods.

  • The lorry took hours to unload at the warehouse.
  • A lorry carrying fresh produce overturned on the motorway.
van

Describes a medium-sized road vehicle, often used for transporting goods or groups of people.

  • The plumber arrived in a white van to fix the pipes.
  • They rented a van to move their belongings to the new apartment.
pickup

Refers to a smaller truck with an enclosed cab and an open cargo area with low sides and tailgate, used for lighter transport duties.

  • We loaded the pickup with camping gear for our weekend trip.
  • His new pickup has a lot of power and can tow a heavy trailer.

Examples of usage

  • The truck driver delivered the shipment on time.
  • The truck was loaded with furniture for the new office.
Context #2 | Verb

move forcefully

To move or travel in a hurried or forceful manner.

Synonyms

dash, hurry, speed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truck

Used to refer to a large vehicle primarily designed for transporting goods or materials. Also used metaphorically to imply moving or handling something heavy or difficult.

  • The delivery truck arrived at the warehouse early in the morning.
  • They had to truck all the equipment across the field.
hurry

Refers to acting quickly, commonly because of limited time or urgency. It can express either a neutral or mildly anxious urgency.

  • We need to hurry if we want to catch the movie on time.
  • Don't worry, there's no need to hurry; we have enough time.
dash

Used to describe a very fast movement, often in a short distance, typically when someone is in a rush or trying to be quick.

  • She made a dash to catch the bus just in time.
  • In a dash of excitement, he ran across the room to greet his friend.
speed

Generally refers to the rate at which something moves or is done, often focusing on high velocity. Can also imply acting quickly and efficiently. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if implying recklessness.

  • The new sports car can achieve incredible speeds.
  • You need to speed up the process if we want to meet the deadline.

Examples of usage

  • The protesters trucked through the city streets.
  • He trucked along the highway at high speed.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The first motorized trucks appeared in the late 19th century, changing the way goods were transported.
  • During World War I, trucks became essential for transporting supplies and troops, showcasing their importance in logistics.

Technology

  • Modern trucks often come equipped with GPS systems for efficient route planning, improving delivery times.
  • Electric trucks are being developed to reduce pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, promoting a cleaner environment.

Culture

  • Trucks have a significant presence in American culture, often symbolizing freedom and the open road in movies and songs.
  • Food trucks have gained popularity as a mobile dining option, offering diverse cuisines in urban areas.

Economics

  • Trucking is a vital part of the logistics industry, responsible for transporting about 70% of all freight in the U.S.
  • The trucking industry plays a significant role in the economy by creating jobs and supporting a wide range of businesses.

Origin of 'truck'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'truck' comes from the Middle English 'troch,' meaning a small wheel or pulley.
  • Originally, 'truck' referred to goods or merchandise, evolving to denote the vehicles we know today.

The word 'truck' originated in the 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'trochus' meaning 'iron hoop'. Initially, it referred to the small, strong wheels on ships' cannon carriages. Over time, the term evolved to describe large vehicles for transporting goods, and eventually became synonymous with motor trucks in the early 20th century.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,906, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.