carriage
- 01 B1 Intermediate
one of the separate sections of a train that carries passengers.
a passenger vehicle on a railway, typically consisting of several compartments or an open-plan seating area.
Simple“The train was very busy, so we had to walk through every carriage to find a seat.”
In context“The first-class carriage offered significantly more legroom and complimentary refreshments compared to the standard commuter sections of the train.”
UsageIn British English, 'carriage' is the standard term for a passenger car; American English typically uses 'car' or 'coach'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a vehicle with four wheels that is pulled by horses, used mainly in the past.
a private four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle for transporting people, common before the advent of the motor car.
Simple“The royal couple waved to the crowds from their open-top horse carriage.”
In context“In the nineteenth century, owning a private carriage was a clear indicator of high social status and significant personal wealth.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
the way a person holds their body when standing or walking.
the manner in which a person carries their body; physical bearing or posture.
Simple“The dancer had a very graceful carriage that made her stand out on stage.”
In context“Despite his advanced age, the retired general maintained a stiff, military carriage that commanded immediate respect from everyone in the room.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
the cost of moving goods from one place to another.
the act of conveying goods or the charge incurred for such transport.
Simple“The price of the furniture includes the cost of carriage to your home.”
In context“The contract specifies that the buyer is responsible for all carriage costs and insurance premiums from the moment the goods leave the warehouse.”
UsageOften found in commercial phrases like 'carriage paid' or 'carriage forward'.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small vehicle used for pushing a baby around.
a four-wheeled vehicle for a baby, designed so the infant can lie down while being pushed.
Simple“She pushed the baby carriage slowly through the park while the infant slept.”
In context“The vintage baby carriage featured large chrome wheels and a deep navy hood, reflecting a classic mid-century design.”
Teacher's tipIn the US, 'carriage' or 'baby carriage' is common for the type where a baby lies flat; British speakers almost exclusively use 'pram'.
“The train departed Rayleigh at 14:06 but failed to reach Wickford at 14:11 as planned, due to two of its rear carriages coming off the tracks.”
“Rob Bradley and his six-year-old daughter Mabel were in the last of the carriages to stay upright.”
From Middle English cariage, from Old Northern French cariage, from carier (“to carry”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.