Delivery

/dɪˈlɪvəri/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act of bringing goods, letters, or other items to a person or place.

/dɪˈlɪvəri/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The act of transporting goods or items.

The delivery of the new furniture was scheduled for tomorrow.

💡 Simply: Imagine you ordered a pizza, and a person *delivers* it to your house. It's the process of getting things from one place to another.

👶 For kids: When something gets brought to your house or somewhere else, like a toy or a package.

More Examples

2

The company promises same-day delivery on all online orders.

3

The package was delayed due to a problem with the delivery service.

How It's Used

Business

"The company offers free delivery for orders over $50."

Retail

"We're expecting a package delivery later today."

2

The act or process of giving birth to a baby or young animal.

/dɪˈlɪvəri/

nounpositiveIntermediate
General

The act of giving birth.

The doctor monitored the mother throughout the delivery.

💡 Simply: When a baby is born, it's called a *delivery*. It’s a really special moment for the parents!

👶 For kids: When a mommy has a baby!

More Examples

2

The delivery was quick and relatively painless.

3

She had a C-section delivery.

How It's Used

Medical

"The mother had a successful delivery, and both she and the baby are doing well."

Tip:Think about a doctor helping a mother to bring her child into the world.
3

The manner or style of speaking or performing something, especially a speech or performance.

/dɪˈlɪvəri/

nounneutralIntermediate
Arts

The manner or style of speaking or performing.

His delivery of the punchline was perfectly timed.

💡 Simply: How someone says something, like a speech or a line in a play, is their *delivery*. It's how they make their words sound.

👶 For kids: How someone talks or says things, like when they are telling a story or doing a play.

More Examples

2

The actor's delivery lacked emotion.

3

The politician's delivery was considered too aggressive.

How It's Used

Public Speaking

"The speaker's delivery was clear and engaging, holding the audience's attention."

Acting

"Her dramatic delivery conveyed the character's deep sorrow."

Tip:Think about how someone presents information to others.

Idioms & expressions

Express delivery

A fast and expedited form of shipping or transport.

"We paid extra for express delivery so the package would arrive sooner."

Home delivery

The act of delivering goods to a person's residence.

"The grocery store offers home delivery for a small fee."

From Middle English *deliuerie*, from Old French *delivrance* (deliverance), from *delivrer* (to deliver), from Latin *dēliberāre* (to set free, deliver).

The word 'delivery' has been used since the late 14th century, initially meaning 'rescue' or 'liberation'. Its meaning evolved over time to include the transfer of goods and the manner of speaking.

Memory tip

Think of the postman bringing mail or a pizza being brought to your door.

delieverydeliverideliverry

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written