cargo
8 synonyms for cargo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Goods carried by a ship, plane, or truck.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cargo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cargo ship
cargo hold
a shipment of cargo
Etymology
From Spanish cargo ("load"), from cargar ("to load"), from Late Latin carricāre — a doublet of the English word "charge."
Full origin of cargo →Frequently asked questions
What does “cargo” mean?
The word “cargo” means goods carried by a ship, plane, or truck. In plain terms, freight being transported by ship, plane, or vehicle.
How do you pronounce “cargo”?
“Cargo” is pronounced KAH-goh (/ˈkɑɹɡoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cargo” in a sentence?
Here is “cargo” used in a sentence: “The ship's cargo included grain and machinery parts.”
What part of speech is “cargo”?
“Cargo” is a noun.
Where does the word “cargo” come from?
The word “cargo” comes from Late Latin. From Spanish cargo ("load"), from cargar ("to load"), from Late Latin carricāre — a doublet of the English word "charge.".
Is “cargo” a common word?
“Cargo” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between cargo and freight?
Cargo refers to the goods themselves that are carried by a ship, plane, or truck. Freight can mean the same goods, but it also commonly refers to the transport service and the charge paid for carrying them, so all cargo is freight but the word 'freight' covers the process and cost too.
What is the difference between cargo and luggage?
Cargo is commercial goods transported for trade or delivery, often in bulk. Luggage (or baggage) is the personal belongings that travellers carry with them, so the two are handled and documented separately even on the same vehicle.
Is the plural of cargo 'cargos' or 'cargoes'?
Both spellings are accepted, but 'cargoes' is the more traditional and widely used form in English. 'Cargos' also appears, particularly in American writing.
What preposition is used with cargo?
The word cargo is typically followed by 'of' when naming the goods, as in 'a cargo of grain' or 'a cargo of oil.' You also say goods are carried 'as cargo.'
