ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dearborn

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈdɪɹˌbɔɹn// dear·born

n. a type of light, four-wheeled carriage with a roof and open sides. It was popular in the United States during the 19th century for traveling.

n. a light, four-wheeled carriage with a fixed top and open sides, often featuring curtained windows. Named after General Henry Dearborn, it was a common utility vehicle in 19th-century America.


SIMPLE

The family traveled to the next town in their dearborn.

CONTEXTUAL

Historical records show that the dearborn was a preferred vehicle for light transport across the rugged American frontier.

COMPLEX

The restoration of the vintage dearborn required sourcing specific hardwoods and canvas to match the original 19th-century specifications used by carriage makers.

Origin

From Middle English Daborne, Dabernoun, from Old Northern French d'Arborn (literally “of Arbornon”).

Usage

Usually refers to the historical vehicle; when capitalised, it refers to the city in Michigan.

© 2026 English Reference