verb B1 Intermediate Common

deliver

dih-LIHV-uh

Deliver (verb) means to bring or take something to its intended destination. Example: “The courier delivered the package this morning.”

verb

To bring or take something to its intended destination.

"The courier delivered the package this morning."

"Can you deliver these flowers to my mother's house?"

To produce the result that was expected or promised.

"The new manager promised big changes, and so far she has delivered."

To give birth to a child, or to assist in a birth.

"She delivered a healthy baby girl at 3am."

"The midwife has delivered hundreds of babies over her career."

To say or present something formally, such as a speech.

"The president delivered his speech to a packed hall."

How to use deliver

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo bring something to where it's meant to go, to come through on a promise, or to give birth.

Common pairings

deliver a package deliver on a promise deliver a speech deliver a baby

Word forms

more deliver comparative, delivered past tense, delivers singular, most deliver superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The courier _____ the package this morning.

Etymology

From Old French delivrer, ultimately from Latin de- plus liberare, "to set free."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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bring drop off hand over take transport convey distribute have present return save birth

Related words

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Rhymes for deliver

liver river giver diver fiver quiver driver waiver sliver shiver Oliver upriver

See all rhymes for deliver →

Frequently asked questions

What does “deliver” mean?

The word “deliver” means to bring or take something to its intended destination. In plain terms, to bring something to where it's meant to go, to come through on a promise, or to give birth.

How do you pronounce “deliver”?

“Deliver” is pronounced dih-LIHV-uh (/dɪˈlɪv.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “deliver” in a sentence?

Here is “deliver” used in a sentence: “The courier delivered the package this morning.”

What part of speech is “deliver”?

“Deliver” is a verb.

Where does the word “deliver” come from?

The word “deliver” comes from Latin. From Old French delivrer, ultimately from Latin de- plus liberare, "to set free.".

Is “deliver” a common word?

“Deliver” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “deliver” have?

“Deliver” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bring or take something to its intended destination.

What is the difference between deliver and ship?

To ship something is to send it off — to dispatch it from where it starts. To deliver it is to bring it all the way to its final destination and hand it over. A parcel is shipped when it leaves the warehouse and delivered when it reaches your door. Delivery completes the journey.

Does deliver only mean carrying goods?

No. Beyond bringing parcels, deliver has several common senses. You can deliver a speech, deliver a baby, deliver good news, or deliver on a promise by doing what you said you would. The shared idea is producing or handing over something expected — whether an object, a result, or words.

What is an example of deliver?

A courier delivering a package to your home is the most familiar example. But you might also deliver a lecture to students, deliver a pizza across town, or deliver a strong performance on stage. In each case something is being brought or presented to the people meant to receive it.

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