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carriage

n.
US //ˈkæɹɪdʒ// UK //kˈæɹɪdʒ// car·riage
  1. 1 train car (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    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.

    Example

    The train was very busy, so we had to walk through every carriage to find a seat.

    Example

    The first-class carriage offered significantly more legroom and complimentary refreshments compared to the standard commuter sections of the train.

    Usage

    In British English, 'carriage' is the standard term for a passenger car; American English typically uses 'car' or 'coach'.
  2. 2 horse-drawn vehicle (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The royal couple waved to the crowds from their open-top horse carriage.

    Example

    In the nineteenth century, owning a private carriage was a clear indicator of high social status and significant personal wealth.
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  1. 3 posture (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the way a person holds their body when standing or walking.

    the manner in which a person carries their body; physical bearing or posture.

    Example

    The dancer had a very graceful carriage that made her stand out on stage.

    Example

    Despite his advanced age, the retired general maintained a stiff, military carriage that commanded immediate respect from everyone in the room.
  2. 4 cost of transport (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the cost of moving goods from one place to another.

    the act of conveying goods or the charge incurred for such transport.

    Example

    The price of the furniture includes the cost of carriage to your home.

    Example

    The contract specifies that the buyer is responsible for all carriage costs and insurance premiums from the moment the goods leave the warehouse.

    Usage

    Often found in commercial phrases like 'carriage paid' or 'carriage forward'.
  3. 5 baby transport (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    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.

    Example

    She pushed the baby carriage slowly through the park while the infant slept.

    Example

    The vintage baby carriage featured large chrome wheels and a deep navy hood, reflecting a classic mid-century design.

    Teacher's tip

    In the US, 'carriage' or 'baby carriage' is common for the type where a baby lies flat; British speakers almost exclusively use 'pram'.
Origin

From Middle English cariage, from Old Northern French cariage, from carier (“to carry”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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