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forklift

American  
[fawrk-lift] / ˈfɔrkˌlɪft /

noun

  1. 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)

  1. to move or stack by forklift.

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.

When the vessel later returned to the rig the other bunny was found hiding in a forklift.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Shearn and a team of about 15 modeled the astronaut around the shape of a forklift and constructed its wire frame in their L.A. studio.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

When a Toyota group company attempted to take Toyota Industries private recently, Elliott initially opposed the move, saying that the terms substantially undervalued the Japanese forklift maker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

It believes Toyota Motor’s offer to buy the forklift maker is too low.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025

If the boys were working on-site, sometimes I’d go along to drive the loader or forklift or crane.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover