delivery
gb/dɪlˈɪvɚi/ us/dɪlˈɪvɚi/
A2
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
action
1
act of transporting goods
When someone brings something to you, like a package or food.
Usage pattern:
[someone] makes a delivery to [someone/somewhere]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'delivery' with 'shipment'; 'delivery' focuses on the arrival to the recipient, while 'shipment' can refer to the sending process.
Synonyms
shipment (More formal; often refers to large quantities or commercial transport.)
Antonyms
pickup (Opposite in context; refers to collecting goods rather than having them brought to you.)
Collocations
home delivery
|express delivery
|free delivery
|delivery service
|delivery address
Themes
daily life
|business
|logistics
|daily_life
|transportation
Examples
- The store offers free delivery on all orders over $50.
- I received a delivery of fresh flowers this morning.
- The courier said my delivery would arrive by noon.
Learner examples
- The pizza delivery was late.
- I am waiting for a package delivery.
- The shop has free delivery.
- The driver made the delivery on time.
Noun
B1
event
2
act of giving birth
When a woman has a baby.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a delivery at [a place]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'delivery' with 'labor'; 'labor' is the process leading up to birth, while 'delivery' is the actual birth event.
Synonyms
childbirth (More general; covers the entire process of giving birth.)
Antonyms
pregnancy (Refers to the period before birth rather than the act of giving birth itself.)
Collocations
natural delivery
|safe delivery
|difficult delivery
Themes
health
|family
|body
Examples
- The doctor ensured it was a safe delivery.
- She had a quick delivery and both mother and baby are well.
- Complications arose during the delivery.
Learner examples
- She had a safe delivery.
- The nurse helped with the delivery.
- The delivery was difficult but successful.
Noun
B2
property
3
manner of speaking or performing
How someone speaks or acts when performing or talking to an audience.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s delivery is [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'speech'; 'speech' is the talk itself, while 'delivery' is how it is given.
Synonyms
presentation (Broader term; can refer to the whole act of presenting, not just style.)
Antonyms
monotone (Opposite in style; lacking variation or expressiveness in speech.)
Collocations
speech delivery
|confident delivery
|dramatic delivery
Themes
communication
|arts
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- Her confident delivery impressed the audience.
- The comedian's delivery made every joke funnier.
- His delivery was slow and deliberate.
Learner examples
- Her delivery was very clear.
- The actor's delivery made the play exciting.
- His delivery was slow but strong.
Noun
technical
B2
action
4
throwing or pitching in sports
When a player throws or bowls the ball to another player in sports like cricket or baseball.
Synonyms
pitch (Common in baseball; refers specifically to throwing the ball toward the batter.)
Collocations
fast delivery
|accurate delivery
Themes
sports
Examples
- The bowler's last delivery was too wide.
- His fast delivery caught the batsman off guard.
- That was an impressive delivery under pressure.
Learner examples
- The bowler made a fast delivery.
- That was a slow delivery.
- He missed the ball from the last delivery.
Grammar
Dictionary form
delivery
IPA
GB/dɪlˈɪvɚi/
US/dɪlˈɪvɚi/
Syllables & stress
de - liv - ery (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (liv)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: delivery
- Plural: deliveries, delivery
Word family
Forms
deliveries
noun
Core family
deliver
verb A2
Related words
deliverer
noun
Negative and opposite forms
undeliverable
adjective
Advanced or less common
deliverable
adjective B2
deliverance
noun
Expressions
express delivery
1/ɪkspɹˈɛs dɪlˈɪvɚi/
fixed phrase
very fast goods transport service
A service that brings things very quickly after you order them.
Examples
- We offer express delivery within 24 hours.
- Express delivery is available for an extra fee.
special delivery
1/spˈɛʃəl dɪlˈɪvɚi/
fixed phrase
fast postal service option
A mail service that sends something quickly and safely.
Examples
- I sent the documents by special delivery.
- This letter needs to go special delivery to arrive tomorrow.
take delivery of
1/tˈeɪk dɪlˈɪvɚi əv/
fixed phrase
receive delivered goods
To officially get something you ordered when it arrives.
Examples
- We took delivery of our new sofa yesterday.
- The company will take delivery of 20 new trucks next month.
cash on delivery
1/kˈæʃ ˈɔn dɪlˈɪvɚi/
fixed phrase
pay when goods are delivered
To pay for something when it arrives at your door, not before it is sent. Often shortened to COD.
Examples
- We accept cash on delivery for all orders.
- You can order the book online and choose cash on delivery if you prefer not to pay by card.
- Cash on delivery is available for local customers only.
- The store charges an extra fee for cash on delivery orders.
- Many customers in this region still like to use cash on delivery for online shopping.