forklift

American

[fawrk-lift] / ˈfɔrkˌlɪft /

noun

Also called forklift truck,. Also called fork truck. a small vehicle with two power-operated prongs at the front that can be slid under heavy loads and then raised for moving and stacking materials in warehouses, shipping depots, etc.

verb (used with object)

to move or stack by forklift.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

forklifts

plural

Etymology

Origin of forklift

First recorded in 1940–45; fork + lift

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Forklift driver Dave Short, 60, said it was "daunting" looking for new work at his age.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2025

On his Instagram page, Zernik described himself as such: “Moorpark College Wrestler. Forklift driver. Hard worker.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2023

Forklift truck driver Mr Ward said they "sat in stunned silence" when they realised they had won £1m.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2022

After several visits, Community Forklift offered them a yearly grant to fund furniture purchases.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2022

Back at Chad, Richard earned his high school diploma and then began taking vocational classes, earning certificates in programs like Irrigation Design and Forklift Driving.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023