forklift

noun

fork·​lift ˈfȯrk-ˌlift How to pronounce forklift (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for forklift

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forklift was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Forklift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forklift. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

forklift

noun
fork·​lift ˈfȯr-ˌklift How to pronounce forklift (audio)
: a machine for lifting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load

More from Merriam-Webster on forklift

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