lorry

[ lawr-ee, lor-ee ]

noun

, plural lor·ries.

1. Chiefly British. a motor truck, especially a large one.
2. any of various conveyances running on rails, as for transporting material in a mine or factory.
3. a long, low, horse-drawn wagon without sides.

lorry

/ ˈlɒrɪ /

noun

1. a large motor vehicle designed to carry heavy loads, esp one with a flat platform US and Canadian nametruck See also articulated vehicle
2. off the back of a lorry informal.
   a phrase used humorously to imply that something has been dishonestly acquired

   it fell off the back of a lorry

3. any of various vehicles with a flat load-carrying surface, esp one designed to run on rails

Word History and Origins

Origin of lorry¹

First recorded in 1830–40; akin to dial. lurry to pull, drag, lug

Word History and Origins

Origin of lorry¹

C19: perhaps related to northern English dialect lurry to pull, tug

Example Sentences

Paul Clarke, 40, died in hospital after he was fatally crushed by the lorry as it reversed into a loading bay at Ginsters' plant in Callington, Cornwall on 2 December 2021.

From BBC

Plymouth Magistrates' Court heard the newcomer to the firm had been moving strip curtains in the loading bay before being struck by the lorry.

From BBC

Pasty maker Ginsters' parent company has been fined £1.28m after an employee was killed by a lorry that was delivering supplies.

From BBC

During that evidence he admitted escaping from Wandsworth Prison in London by hanging in a makeshift sling under a food delivery lorry, concealed by the tailgate.

From BBC

He dropped out from under the lorry near Wandsworth roundabout and disappeared into the capital.

From BBC

Related Words

• car
• crate
• freighter
• jeep
• pickup
• rig
• van
• wagon