English Reference
noun

delivery

n.
US /dɪˈɫɪvɝi/ UK /dɪlˈɪvəɹi/ de·liv·ery UK spelling deliveries, delivery's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the act of taking letters, parcels, or goods to a person or a place.

    the act of conveying or transporting goods, mail, or services to a specific destination.

    Simple

    The supermarket offers free delivery if you spend more than fifty dollars.

    In context

    The logistics company guaranteed next-day delivery for all domestic parcels, provided they were processed before the evening cutoff.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the process of a mother giving birth to a baby.

    the act or process of giving birth to offspring; the final stage of pregnancy.

    Simple

    The mother had a very quick delivery and both she and the baby are doing well.

    In context

    The medical team prepared for a complicated delivery, ensuring that a neonatal specialist was present in the operating theatre.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way that someone speaks or performs in front of an audience.

    the manner in which a speech, lecture, or musical performance is presented or uttered.

    Simple

    The comedian has great jokes, but his fast delivery makes them hard to follow.

    In context

    Although the content of the lecture was academic, the professor's charismatic delivery kept the students engaged for the entire hour.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    the way a medicine is given to a patient, such as through a pill or a needle.

    the method or system by which a drug or therapeutic agent is administered to the body.

    Simple

    Scientists are looking for a better delivery method for this new cancer drug.

    In context

    The research paper discusses a novel drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles to target specific cells without damaging healthy tissue.

Usage delivery systems · delivery system

The cast’s delivery is crisp, the energy unflagging throughout 90 minutes – bookended by folk songs – that go like a dream.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Some residents said they only received their first delivery last week – more than eight months after the shortages began.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From Middle English deliveri et al., from Anglo-Norman, from Old French delivrer.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French delivrer
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated