haul
HAWL
/hɔːl/
To pull or transport heavy loads over a distance; or a quantity of goods transported.
Implies physical effort or transport of substantial, heavy volume across considerable distances.
The story behind the word. Entering Middle English as a nautical term for pulling ropes and towing ships, 'haul' transferred naturally to heavy land cartage when motor trucking replaced horse-drawn drayage.
Word relationships
- transport: Transport is neutral and general, whereas haul carries connotations of heavy loads and effort.
- drag: Drag implies pulling along a surface with friction, whereas haul implies carriage in a vehicle.
Commonly confused with
- hale: Hale means strong and healthy (as in 'hale and hearty'), completely unrelated to moving freight.
Word family
- hauler / haulage (noun): A business or vehicle engaged in hauling goods; the act of transport.
- long-haul (adjective): Involving transportation over extended geographical distances.
Collocations
- long-haul
- short-haul
- haul freight
- heavy haulage
Idioms & expressions
- over the long haul
- a long haul
Example sentences
- "Owner-operators frequently haul refrigerated goods across thousands of interstate miles." Interstate transport report
- "The trucking company completed a lucrative long-distance haul ahead of the holiday deadline." Earnings summary
Memory hook
HAULing requires a huge HALL of cargo pulled by a powerful truck. Pull heavy loads long distances.
When not to use
Do not use 'haul' for carrying light personal items short distances across a room.
Fun facts
- In Australia, 'road trains'—trucks pulling up to four trailers—haul over 100 tons across the outback.
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