transportation

noun

trans·​por·​ta·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce transportation (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transporting or being transported
2
a
: means of conveyance or travel from one place to another
b
: public conveyance of passengers or goods especially as a commercial enterprise
3
: banishment to a penal colony
transportational adjective

Examples of transportation in a Sentence

the transportation of troops overseas She arranged for the transportation of her furniture to her new apartment. He was the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Reagan.
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.
Integrating canal data transit wait times, weather forecasts and draft notices into transportation management systems helps operators make real-time decisions rather than reactive pivots. Amaan Gulacha, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Seven House Republicans voted against that bill, including then-Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy, who now serves as Trump's transportation secretary. Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 12 June 2025 The House transportation committee unanimously approved House Bill 948, legislation introduced by Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham to allow a 1-cent countywide tax referendum to pay for road, rail and bus projects. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025 Uber will also expand its ground transportation options by launching Uber Reserve on the Amalfi Coast, which gives riders the ability to book rides in advance and beat the busy crowds at Salerno Airport. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transportation

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transportation was in 1540

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Cite this Entry

“Transportation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transportation. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

transportation

noun
trans·​por·​ta·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce transportation (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transporting or being transported
2
: exile to a penal colony
3
a
: a means or method of transport
was left without transportation when the car died
b
: the public transporting of passengers or goods usually for a price

More from Merriam-Webster on transportation

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