lorry
UK[ˈlɒri]US[ˈlɔːri]
n
a large, heavy motor vehicle for transporting goods or troops.
Etymology
the origin of 'lorry' is obscure, with several plausible but unconfirmed theories. one strong candidate is the english dialect verb 'lurry', meaning to pull or drag, suggesting a vehicle that hauls goods. another possibility links it to the personal name 'laura', used as a nickname for early steam engines. it first appeared in the mid-19th century, initially referring to a type of long, flat wagon before becoming associated with the motorized freight vehicle we know today. its journey from a regional term to the standard british english word for a truck exemplifies how colloquialisms can enter the mainstream lexicon.
Analysis
the word 'lorry' is a simplex word with no separable morphemes in modern english. its origin is uncertain but likely a dialectal british english term.
Examples
the delivery was delayed because the lorry had a flat tire.
he drives a heavy goods lorry across europe.
the road was blocked by an overturned lorry.