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

And the company is outfitting these facilities with high-tech equipment such as autonomous forklifts, to the tune of $200 million. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025

Last year, Harrison Bardwell, the farm’s ninth-generation proprietor, was selling thousands of pounds of cucumbers at a time, transportable by pallet and forklift. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025

John Stolarz is usually on his way home after working the midnight shift as a forklift driver. —Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

Operating forklifts and pouring concrete have replaced swimming and kayaking at these new summer camps, where kids learn trade skills to set them on a stable career path. —Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025

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