delivery
/dɪˈlɪv.ər.i/- 1.
The act of taking something to a person or place. It often means a parcel, food, or goods arriving.
- The delivery arrived this morning.
- We offer free delivery on orders over ₹500.
- The parcel is out for delivery.
- 2.
The act of giving a speech, performance, or message. It can also mean the way someone speaks or presents something.
- Her delivery was calm and clear.
- The teacher praised his speech delivery.
- Good delivery helps keep the audience interested.
- 3.
The birth of a baby. This is common in medical and everyday English.
- The delivery took six hours.
- She had a safe delivery.
- The doctor was present at the delivery.
Adinary Nuance
Delivery is broader than shipment because it can include food, parcels, messages, and even speech. It is more natural than transport when you mean something is brought to someone. For a baby, use delivery, not shipment or transport. When talking about speaking, delivery focuses on how something is said, not just what is said.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- giao hàng
- Spanish
- entrega
- Chinese
- 送达
- Japanese
- 配達
- Korean
- 배달
Etymology
From Latin deliverare, meaning 'to set free' or 'release'. In English, it developed through Old French in the Middle Ages and later gained the meanings used today.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is delivery a formal word?
- It is common in both everyday and formal English. In business and academic writing, it is very normal.
- What is the difference between delivery and shipment?
- Delivery is when something reaches the customer. Shipment is the sending of goods, especially by a company.
- Can delivery mean birth?
- Yes. Delivery can mean the birth of a baby, especially in medical English.
- How do I use delivery in a sentence?
- You can say, 'The delivery arrived late' or 'Her speech delivery was excellent.'