A2noun5K

Lorry

UK /["/ˈlɒri/"]/US /["/ˈlɔːri/"]/

Definition

a large vehicle for carrying heavy loads by road

In simple words: A large vehicle for transporting goods.

Examples

  • a lorry driver
  • a lorry load of frozen fish
  • Emergency food supplies were brought in by lorry.
  • A dozen people suffered minor injuries after a lorry jackknifed on an icy M62.
  • Her husband was a long-distance lorry driver.
  • The lorry had shed its load under the bridge.
  • The motorway was closed by an overturned lorry.
  • a refrigerated lorry carrying frozen fish

Usage notes

Used mainly in British English. In American English, it is referred to as a 'truck'. Suitable for both informal and formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'lore' and 'carry'—a 'lorry' carries heavy loads.

Collocations

  • big
  • heavy
  • huge
  • convoy
  • drive
  • be laden with something
  • carry something
  • travel
  • driver
  • load
  • a lorry sheds its load

Synonyms

  • truck
  • freight vehicle
  • delivery van

Antonyms

  • car
  • bike

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'truck' in American English.
  • Used inappropriately in context where smaller vehicles are mentioned.
  • Often spelled incorrectly as 'lory'.