What does "transportation" mean?

1. (systems like buses and trains) a system or method for moving people, such as public buses, trains, or cars. 2. (historical punishment) an old punishment where a prisoner was sent away to a far-off colony.

How do you use "transportation"?

Often used with 'public' to describe government-run systems. Usually refers to the 18th and 19th-century British legal system.

transportation

US //ˌtɹænspɝˈteɪʃən// UK //tɹænspɔːtˈeɪʃən// trans·porta·tion

1 systems like buses and trains (n.)
B1 Intermediate American English

a system or method for moving people, such as public buses, trains, or cars.

the means or infrastructure used for travel, including public and private vehicles.

Example

The city has excellent public transportation, so you don't really need a car.

Example

Urban planners are focusing on sustainable transportation to reduce the city's carbon footprint and alleviate traffic congestion.

Usage

Often used with 'public' to describe government-run systems.
- transport
- travel
2 historical punishment (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Formal Law

an old punishment where a prisoner was sent away to a far-off colony.

the historical practice of deporting convicted criminals to a penal colony.

Example

In the 1800s, some crimes were punished by transportation to Australia.

Example

The judge sentenced the prisoner to life-long transportation, a common sentence for serious felonies in the early nineteenth century.

Usage

Usually refers to the 18th and 19th-century British legal system.

Origin

From transport + -ation.