What does transport mean?
Transport is both an action and the infrastructure that makes movement possible. As a noun, it means the carrying of people or goods from one place to another, as well as the vehicles, networks, and services used for that purpose. As a verb, it means to carry or convey something, and “transport oneself” means to move or travel. The noun is especially associated with organized systems for moving passengers and freight, but it also appears in technical language when data is sent across a network. In British and American English, transport is widely understood; “transportation” is especially common in American usage, while “transport” remains the usual general term in both varieties. The word is useful because it links the physical process of movement with the organized systems that make it reliable, safe, and accessible. It generally has a practical, neutral tone, although contexts involving efficient or luxurious travel can add connotations of efficiency or comfort.
The movement of people or goods from one place to another; the vehicles, networks, or services used for that movement; or a means of conveyance.
"Investment in public transport can reduce congestion and pollution in growing cities."
The plural “transports” is relatively uncommon but can refer to separate vehicles, services, or systems.
To carry, convey, or move someone or something from one place to another.
"Electric buses transport most of the town's schoolchildren."
The phrase “transport oneself” means to move or travel. In computing, the verb can mean to transmit data through a network.
The plural is uncommon and generally denotes separate vehicles, services, or systems.
"Two transports were used to move the equipment."
Transport hides a remarkably productive root: Latin portāre, “to carry,” also gave English import, export, portable, and porter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transport come from?
The word was borrowed in the early modern period from Latin transportāre, a verb meaning “to carry across.” It combines trans- (“across”) with portāre (“to carry”), and the English form originally referred to carrying people or goods, especially by ship. The root portāre also underlies import, export, portable, and porter.
Related word forms
How transport is actually used
The noun is common in both British and American English for the activity or system of moving people and goods. “Transportation” is especially frequent in American English, while “transport” remains a general term in both varieties. As a verb, “transport” is neutral and formal; “transport oneself” means to move or travel, and technical contexts may use it for the transmission of data.
Easily confused with transport
Transport is the general act of carrying people, goods, or data, whereas a transplant is the transfer of living tissue, an organ, or a plant.