deliver
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to carry and turn over (letters, goods, etc.) to the intended recipient or recipients.
to deliver mail;
to deliver a package.
-
to give into another's possession or keeping; surrender.
to deliver a prisoner to the police;
to deliver a bond.
-
to bring (votes) to the support of a candidate or a cause.
-
to give forth in words; utter or pronounce.
to deliver a verdict;
to deliver a speech.
- Synonyms:
- publish, proclaim, announce, communicate
-
to give forth or emit.
The oil well delivers 500 barrels a day.
-
to strike or throw.
to deliver a blow.
-
to set free or liberate.
The Israelites were delivered from bondage.
- Synonyms:
- release, emancipate
- Antonyms:
- confine
-
to release or save.
Deliver me from such tiresome people!
-
to assist (a female) in bringing forth young.
The doctor delivered her of twins.
-
to assist at the birth of.
The doctor delivered the baby.
-
to give birth to.
She delivered twins at 4 a.m.
-
to disburden (oneself ) of thoughts, opinions, etc.
-
to make known; assert.
verb (used without object)
-
to give birth.
-
to provide a delivery service for goods and products.
The store delivers free of charge.
-
to do or carry out as promised.
an ad agency known for delivering when a successful campaign is needed.
adjective
verb
-
to carry (goods, etc) to a destination, esp to carry and distribute (goods, mail, etc) to several places
to deliver letters
our local butcher delivers
-
to hand over, transfer, or surrender
-
(often foll by from) to release or rescue (from captivity, harm, corruption, etc)
-
(also intr)
-
to aid in the birth of (offspring)
-
to give birth to (offspring)
-
(usually foll by of) to aid or assist (a female) in the birth (of offspring)
-
to give birth (to offspring)
-
-
to utter or present (a speech, oration, idea, etc)
-
deliver the goods See deliver
-
to utter (an exclamation, noise, etc)
to deliver a cry of exultation
-
to discharge or release (something, such as a blow or shot) suddenly
-
to cause (voters, constituencies, etc) to support a given candidate, cause, etc
can you deliver the Bronx?
-
to speak with deliberation or at length
to deliver oneself of a speech
-
informal to produce or perform something promised or expected
Other Word Forms
- deliverability noun
- deliverable adjective
- deliverer noun
- misdeliver verb (used with object)
- outdeliver verb (used with object)
- predeliver verb (used with object)
- undelivered adjective
- well-delivered adjective
Etymology
Origin of deliver
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English delivren, from Old French delivrer, from Late Latin dēlīberāre “to set free,” from dē- de- + līberāre “to free” ( liberate )
Explanation
Whether you deliver a package, a baby, or a promise, you're bringing or carrying out something that was expected. The Post Office and UPS deliver packages, but a doctor helps deliver a baby: in that case, the doctor is helping the baby get born safely. If you promise to get an A and then you do, you delivered on your promise. Religious people ask God to deliver them from sin. Politicians often have to deliver — meaning give — speeches. In just about every case, deliver refers to something positive that's being moved, fulfilled, rescued, or carried out.
Vocabulary lists containing deliver
The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 3
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 3
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Baker Hughes is sharpening its focus on its core strengths in order to deliver higher returns while accelerating investment in high-growth areas, Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Simonelli said Monday.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
Officials said police also raided a private subcontractor blamed for failing to deliver ballots, boxes and other materials on time.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
He was reported missing after failing to meet colleagues to deliver a presentation at the JW Marriott Hotel in the city's Westlands area.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
“She just loves animals. She’s kind of our resident vet. She helped deliver our baby goats and she does all the horse stuff.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
Like how I should have talked directly to Clara instead of giving Michelle a note to deliver.
From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
