delivery
/dɪˈlɪvəri/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈlɪvəri/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈli-v(ə-)rē dē-/ (ame, mw)
delivery — noun
- deliverysingular
- deliveriesplural
1. the process of bringing packages, letters, ordered food, or other items to the p
the process of bringing packages, letters, ordered food, or other items to the person or address that asked for them
The delivery driver left the package on the front step before noon.
common collocation: delivery driver / delivery service
Sumin ordered takeout and tracked the food delivery on her phone.
The postal service suspended mail delivery during the snowstorm.
Ife paid extra for express delivery so the gift would arrive by Friday.
Tariq signed for the delivery and carried the heavy box into the kitchen.
- collection
the act of picking something up rather than having it brought to you
常見錯誤
2. the process of supplying something such as electricity, gas, water, or fuel to a
the process of supplying something such as electricity, gas, water, or fuel to a place, building, or machine so that it can function
A power cut disrupted the electricity delivery to several neighbourhoods.
collocation: electricity delivery / power delivery
Fuel delivery to the remote village was delayed by the landslide.
Engineers checked the gas delivery system for leaks before restarting the plant.
The hospital has a backup generator to ensure uninterrupted oxygen delivery to patients.
A sensor monitors the fuel delivery rate to keep the engine running smoothly.
- supply
broader and more common in everyday use; 'delivery' often adds the idea of active transmission or flow
- distribution
focuses on the network that moves resources across a wider area rather than the act of sending
用法筆記
Commonly used in technical and industrial contexts. The thing being supplied (electricity, gas, fuel, oxygen) usually comes right before 'delivery' as a compound noun.
3. the way a person speaks in front of an audience, including their tone of voice,
the way a person speaks in front of an audience, including their tone of voice, speed, and how clearly they express ideas
The audience was captivated by the speaker's clear delivery and calm tone.
adjective patterns: clear delivery / calm delivery
Tariq practised his speech delivery in front of the mirror every evening before the conference.
Her slow, deliberate delivery made every word feel important to the listeners.
The comedian's delivery was so quick that many jokes flew past the audience too fast to catch.
On a big stage, a polished delivery can matter as much as the ideas themselves.
- presentation
broader term that includes visual aids and structure; 'delivery' focuses specifically on vocal and expressive manner
- oratory
more formal and literary; implies a high level of rhetorical skill
- elocution
specifically about clear pronunciation and voice control; narrower than 'delivery'
用法筆記
Often modified by adjectives describing tone or quality (clear, slow, flat, energetic, monotone). Distinguish from sense 1 — this sense has nothing to do with transporting goods.
常見錯誤
4. a ball sent toward a hitter by a pitcher or bowler during games such as baseball
a ball sent toward a hitter by a pitcher or bowler during games such as baseball and cricket, or the throwing motion used to send it
The pitcher's fast delivery caught the batter completely off guard.
baseball: fast delivery / slow delivery
In cricket, a bowler's delivery can reach speeds over ninety miles per hour.
The umpire called a no-ball because the delivery was too high.
Beatriz watched the pitcher's delivery carefully to time her swing.
A slow delivery that curves near the end can fool even the best batter.
用法筆記
Mostly used in cricket (where it applies to every ball bowled) and baseball (where it refers to the pitcher's throwing motion). In baseball, 'pitch' is more common than 'delivery'.
5. the act of actually producing or providing the results, benefits, or services th
the act of actually producing or providing the results, benefits, or services that were promised or expected, especially in a professional or political context
The mayor's delivery of new affordable housing units impressed the community.
collocation: delivery of [promised goods or services]
Critics praised the software company for its on-time delivery of new features.
The government's delivery of election promises was slower than voters had hoped.
Ishaan was promoted for his consistent delivery of high-quality work under tight deadlines.
Investors expect steady delivery of profit growth quarter after quarter.
- fulfilment
more common in British English for promises or orders; 'delivery' is broader and more active
- execution
focuses on carrying out a plan or task; 'delivery' emphasises that a result reaches its intended recipient
- accomplishment
general term for achieving something; 'delivery' implies that the achievement was expected by someone else
用法筆記
Frequently appears in business and political writing as part of phrases like 'delivery of results', 'delivery of services', or 'delivery of promises'. Often paired with an adjective such as 'on-time', 'consistent', or 'effective'.
6. the medical process in which a baby is born, especially the final stage when the
the medical process in which a baby is born, especially the final stage when the mother pushes the baby out of her body, sometimes with the help of doctors or nurses
The labour lasted twelve hours before the baby was safely delivered.
medical context: safe delivery / normal delivery
The midwife managed a smooth delivery despite some early complications.
After a difficult delivery, the mother needed several days of rest in the hospital.
Ava attended a class on breathing techniques for a natural delivery without medicine.
The doctor performed an emergency delivery when the baby's heart rate dropped suddenly.
- birth
more common in everyday speech; 'delivery' is the medical term for the process
- labour
refers to the period of contractions before and during delivery, not the actual birth itself
- childbirth
the general term for the whole process of having a baby
用法筆記
Used by medical professionals as a clinical term; in everyday conversation, 'birth' or 'having a baby' is more natural. 'Delivery' is the standard term in hospital settings and medical records.