transportation

noun

trans·​por·​ta·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce transportation (audio)
Synonyms of transportationnext
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 How to pronounce transportation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of transportation

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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.
The increase in large-scale construction projects is also creating additional demand for skilled transportation and fleet-related talent, and not just drivers. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 SmartAsset noted that housing, groceries, transportation and other essential costs continue to put pressure on household budgets across the country. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 The scenic, 40-minute custom tour on the 1940s aircraft includes roundtrip transportation in the resort's Mercedes-Maybach, an expert overview and exploration of the historic events, and a memorial flight pass over Pearl Harbor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026 That’s when employers begin preparing for the fourth quarter and the holiday season, bringing more demand for workers in areas including retail and transportation and warehousing. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing transportation

Rhymes for transportation

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Browse Nearby Words

transportal
transportation
transportational
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Cite this Entry

“Transportation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transportation. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
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