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

In the weeks before Passover, the busiest season of the year for kosher wine, a forklift is moving pallets across the warehouse and bottling lines are running steadily, workers are preparing shipments destined for holiday tables. —Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026

Vachris climbed Costco’s corporate ladder from forklift driver to the company’s third CEO. —Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

Companies like Flux Power in Vista make battery systems for electric forklifts and freight handling equipment. —Bob Keefe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Global’s Instagram account shows employees packing food products, moving large pallets of boxes by forklift onto and off trucks and, generally, handling product movement. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 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