haul
B2Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To pull or drag something heavy with effort; to transport goods over a distance.
A quantity of something obtained, especially illegally or by theft; a journey or distance to transport goods; a significant success or acquisition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, implies sustained effort or force. As a noun, often implies a significant, impressive, or illicit quantity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Noun 'haul' for a journey is more common in UK logistics (e.g., 'long-haul flight'). The verb is identical.
Connotations
Similar in both, though 'haul' for stolen goods is a common journalistic term in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both, with slight UK preference for 'haulage' and 'haulier' over US 'trucking' and 'trucker'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
haul something (to/from somewhere)haul something away/in/uphaul somebody over the coals (idiom)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “haul someone over the coals”
- “long haul”
- “haul ass (vulgar)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Logistics and transport: 'The company hauls construction materials.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing, except in historical/commercial contexts discussing transport.
Everyday
Common: 'We hauled the sofa up the stairs.' or 'She got a huge haul of presents.'
Technical
Maritime/aviation: 'The ship hauls its catch.' Also in computing: 'data haul' (informal).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They had to haul the boat out of the water.
- The lorry will haul the machinery to Manchester.
American English
- We need to haul this trash to the dump.
- The truck hauls produce from the farm.
adverb
British English
- The load was secured haul-taut (nautical, rare).
adjective
British English
- He's a long-haul driver for a freight company.
- The haulage industry faces new regulations.
American English
- She works for a long-haul trucking firm.
- The haul road was rough and muddy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We helped haul the shopping bags into the house.
- The fishermen had a good haul today.
- It was a long haul to get the project finished.
- The thieves made off with a haul of jewellery.
- The new policy will haul the economy out of recession.
- The police hauled in the suspect for questioning.
- The documentary highlights the environmental cost of hauling goods across continents.
- Her award haul this season is nothing short of extraordinary.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant HALL where you have to HAUL all the heavy furniture inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACQUISITION IS A PHYSICAL CAPTURE (e.g., 'haul of awards'), EFFORT IS PHYSICAL PULLING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'hall' (зал).
- The verb 'haul' is broader than Russian 'тащить'; it includes organised transport (like возить).
- The noun 'haul' (добыча, улов) often has a positive/impressive connotation missing in simple 'груз'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'haul' with 'hull' (of a ship).
- Using 'haul' for light, effortless carrying (use 'carry' instead).
- Misspelling as 'hall'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'haul' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but can be informal, especially in phrases like 'haul ass'. In logistics/transport, it is standard professional vocabulary.
'Haul' is more general (can be by any means). 'Tow' specifically means to pull with a rope/chain or by a vehicle, usually when the thing being pulled is disabled.
Yes, but often implies they are being moved with difficulty or against their will (e.g., 'hauled to prison', 'hauled out of bed').
It refers to a long distance or a prolonged and difficult effort (e.g., 'a long-haul flight', 'recovery is a long haul').