English Reference
verb · noun

hauling

v. · n.
US /ˈhɔɫɪŋ/ UK /hˈɔːlɪŋ/ haul·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.pulling or dragging something heavy with a lot of physical effort.

    v.pulling or dragging a heavy object with continuous effort. Transitive, requiring a direct object.

    Simple

    The workers spent the whole morning hauling heavy stones up the hill.

    In context

    The rescue team spent hours hauling the damaged equipment out of the ravine using a complex system of ropes and pulleys.

    Usage

    Often used with 'up', 'down', or 'away' to show the direction of the movement.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.moving large amounts of goods from one place to another, usually by truck or ship.

    v.transporting goods commercially, typically over long distances by road or rail.

    Simple

    He makes a living hauling timber across the country in his big truck.

    In context

    The company specialises in hauling perishable goods across international borders, requiring precise temperature control throughout the journey.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of logistics and the trucking industry.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.the business or act of moving goods by road or rail.

    n.the commercial transport of goods; a synonym for haulage.

    Simple

    The cost of hauling has increased because of the high price of fuel.

    In context

    The logistics firm invested in a new fleet to reduce the environmental impact of their long-distance hauling operations.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun in business contexts.

I bought it for the very unglamorous purpose of hauling laundry around in college.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated