forklift

Everyday

A forklift is a small, strong vehicle with two long metal prongs at the front that slide under heavy loads to lift and move them. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, forklifts are used in warehouses, factories, supermarkets and ports to move pallets of goods. In safety lessons, children learn to keep away from moving forklifts and that drivers need special training. Common phrases: «forklift truck», «forklift driver», «drive a forklift».

Examples

• The forklift lifted the pallet of bottles onto the lorry. tree →
• Uncle Tom drives a forklift at the warehouse. tree →
• Stay away from the forklift area in the garden centre. tree →
• A forklift beeps when it reverses. tree →
• The forklift's two forks slid under the crate. tree →
• You need a licence to drive a forklift. tree →
• In the toy shop I got a little yellow forklift. tree →

Note

Plural: forklifts. A compound of «fork» + «lift». In the UK people often say «forklift truck». Forklifts can tip over if a load is too high or too heavy, which is why drivers are trained.