forklift
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfɔːrk.lɪft/
KK: /ˈfɔrkˌlɪft/
noun
Definition
A type of vehicle used in warehouses and factories to lift and move heavy items using a platform with prongs.
Example
The warehouse uses a forklift to move pallets of goods around.
Conversation
I saw a really cool forklift at the warehouse yesterday.
Oh really? What was it doing?
It was lifting some heavy pallets off the ground.
Nice! Those machines make moving stuff so much easier.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
loader
lift
hoist
Antonyms
unloader
descender
dismantler
transitive verb
Definition
To move or stack items using a vehicle that has a platform with prongs that can lift and lower loads.
Example
The warehouse workers will forklift the boxes onto the shelves.
Tense Forms
Past: forklifted
Past Participle: forklifted
Conversation
Did you see how they forklift those heavy crates yesterday?
Yeah, it was impressive how fast they moved everything.
I wonder if I could learn to forklift at my job.
Root Explanation
Forklift → It is formed from "fork" (from Old English *forca*, meaning a tool with two or more prongs) and "lift" (from Old English *lyftan*, meaning to raise or elevate). The word "forklift" describes a machine that raises or elevates loads using a pronged tool.
Memory Tip
Think of a tool with prongs ('fork') that is used to 'raise' ('lift') heavy items — that's what a forklift does.
Visually Confused Words
forleft