conveyor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “conveyor” mean?
A person or thing that transports or carries something from one place to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that transports or carries something from one place to another.
A mechanical apparatus, typically a continuous moving belt or chain, for moving objects or materials in a systematic and automated manner, often within industrial or logistical systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling predominantly 'conveyor'. US spelling often uses 'conveyor' but 'conveyer' is a less common but accepted variant, especially in older texts or when referring to a person who conveys. The machine is almost always 'conveyor belt' in both variants.
Connotations
Neutral in both. The UK usage is more consistently standardized.
Frequency
More frequent in technical, industrial, and business contexts. The term 'conveyor belt' is common in everyday language to describe automated processes or monotonous systems.
Grammar
How to Use “conveyor” in a Sentence
conveyor of [abstract noun: information, ideas]conveyor for [physical noun: packages, components]conveyor at/in [location: the factory, the airport]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conveyor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to conveyor the components to the assembly station.
American English
- The machine will conveyor the sorted parcels to the loading bay.
adjective
British English
- The conveyor mechanism needs lubrication.
American English
- We ordered new conveyor rollers for the production line.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to logistics and supply chain systems for moving goods.
Academic
Used in engineering, manufacturing, and systems design contexts.
Everyday
Most commonly heard in the phrase 'conveyor belt', e.g., at airport baggage claim or a sushi restaurant.
Technical
Precise term for specific types: belt conveyor, screw conveyor, pneumatic conveyor, etc.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conveyor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conveyor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conveyor”
- Misspelling as 'conveyer' (less common in modern UK English).
- Using 'conveyor' as a verb (the verb is 'convey').
- Pronouncing it /ˈkɒnveɪə/ (stress is on the second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the machine or system, 'conveyor' is standard in modern English worldwide. 'Conveyer' is an older or less common variant, sometimes used for a person who conveys.
No. The verb form is 'to convey'. 'Conveyor' is exclusively a noun.
In the compound noun 'conveyor belt', encountered at airports (baggage claim), supermarkets (checkout), or sushi restaurants.
A 'conveyor' is the general term for any transport apparatus. A 'conveyor belt' is a specific type of conveyor that uses a continuous moving belt.
A person or thing that transports or carries something from one place to another.
Conveyor is usually neutral to technical in register.
Conveyor: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈveɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈveɪɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “conveyor belt (also used figuratively: 'He felt like a product on a corporate conveyor belt.')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'con-VEY-or' – it VEYS (an old word for conveys or transports) things for you.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/INFORMATION/GOODS ARE OBJECTS ON A CONVEYOR (e.g., 'the information conveyor was slow', 'students on an educational conveyor belt').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'conveyor' LEAST likely to be used?