transportation

noun

trans·​por·​ta·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-shən 

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

ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of transportation

• ride
• transport

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

The extra fee was implemented as the Postal Service aims to fend off higher transportation costs stemming from rising oil prices, which have escalated since the beginning of the war in Iran. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026

But like other federal employees traveling for work, the astronauts’ transportation, lodging, and meals are provided, a NASA spokesperson confirmed to Fortune last year. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026

The mopeds and similar modes of transportation have become notorious in Boston, often weaving through traffic and lining up outside of popular takeout spots. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Oil prices have spiked because the war has snarled the production and transportation of crude in the Persian Gulf. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transportation

• air transportation
• ground transportation
• public transportation

Rhymes for transportation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

transportation

noun

trans·​por·​ta·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-shən 

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