forklift

noun

fork·​lift ˈfȯrk-ˌlift 

: a self-propelled machine for hoisting and transporting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load

Examples of forklift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Together, the grants paid for 34 refrigeration devices, six food distribution vehicles, a dozen pallet jacks or forklifts, plus shelving and storage materials and hand trucks. — Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Criminal complaints filed against Abdulkarim in state and federal court show the videos are now a vital part of the case against the warehouse forklift driver, evidence identifying him as the culprit who allegedly ignited the massive fire. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

The sisters become the fixation of a forklift-driving mouth breather (John Connors) and are photographed while undressing by a neighbor (Malcolm Adams) who climbs up on the roof across the street to spy on them. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Outside, on the tarmac, jumpers drove forklifts loaded with cargo—firefighting tools, fuel, provisions—to waiting airplanes. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forklift

• adrift
• airlift
• facelift
• festschrift
• gearshift
• makeshift
• redshift
• sealift
• snowdrift
• spendthrift
• clift
• drift

Kids Definition

forklift

noun

fork·​lift ˈfȯr-ˌklift 

: a machine for lifting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load