What does truck mean?
“Truck” most commonly denotes a motor vehicle built to carry goods, whether as a large commercial vehicle, a pickup, or, in British English, a lorry. It can also refer more broadly to the business of moving freight: a truck driver, trucking company, or truck stop all belong to this transport network. As a verb, “truck” means to carry something by truck or, more generally, to travel or proceed by truck. The word is especially familiar in American English, while British speakers often prefer “lorry” for large vehicles, although “truck” remains readily understood and is sometimes used for specific vehicle types. Historically, the word began with the meaning of a small wheel or wheeled carrier before developing its modern association with heavy transport. Today it evokes practical work, commerce, construction, delivery, and the movement of goods. It is also familiar in compounds such as “food truck,” “dump truck,” and “truck stop,” where it may identify a vehicle, a service, or a roadside business.
A motor vehicle, especially a large one with a cab and a separate or enclosed cargo body, used to transport goods. The term can also refer to a pickup or, in British English, a lorry.
"The furniture store sent a truck to collect the old sofa."
The sense for a large goods vehicle is standard in American English; British English commonly uses lorry, though truck is also understood and used in certain constructions.
To transport goods by truck; to drive or travel by truck.
"They trucked the supplies across town in two large vehicles."
The verb is particularly associated with American English and is common in transport, logistics, and construction contexts.
The standard plural is trucks, used for vehicles or, occasionally, separate loads or units of freight.
"Two trucks were waiting at the loading dock."
From a small wheel to the vehicle that moves the world: “truck” grew from an ordinary wheel into an essential workhorse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How truck is actually used
Truck is standard in American, Canadian, Australian, and other varieties of English. In British English it is also used, although lorry is more common for a large goods vehicle. The verb forms are especially associated with American English.