covered wagon

American  

noun

1. a large wagon with a high, bonnetlike canvas top, especially such a wagon used by pioneers to transport themselves and their possessions across the North American plains during the westward migrations in the 19th century.

2. British Railroads. a boxcar.

---

covered wagon British  

noun

1. a large wagon with an arched canvas top, used formerly for prairie travel

---

covered wagon Cultural  

1. A typical conveyance for settlers moving west with their belongings. It was drawn by horses or oxen and equipped with a canvas cover, often supported by hoops, to keep off rain.

---

Etymology

Origin of covered wagon

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45

Example Sentences

Perhaps I was the chosen one who would carry these tales into a new generation, passing down stories of America’s wine-sloshed aunts like I was spinning a yarn in the back of a covered wagon.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2025

I doubted Dryden would last very long in a covered wagon out on the prairie.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2024

The chef’s menu was inspired by the famous Ride to Rendezvous, a five-day Methow Valley horseback and covered wagon excursion by the Washington Outfitters and Guides every spring.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 9, 2023

“That was such a hard time,” Girma gushes, as if Morgan, the most experienced player on the U.S. women’s World Cup team, rode to games in a covered wagon.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2023

The covered wagon was the hearse for anybody who needed one in that part of Banks County.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns