Meaning & Definition of word "Wheelbarrow"
Wheelbarrow
/ˈwiːlˌbɛroʊ/
noun:
- 1. A small, hand-propelled vehicle with a single wheel, used for transporting loads.
- Example: He used a wheelbarrow to carry soil from the garden to the compost pile.
- 2. An apparatus resembling a wheelbarrow, used in some games (such as the 'wheelbarrow race') where one player supports another's legs while walking on their hands.
- Example: During the field day activities, the kids enjoyed competing in the wheelbarrow races.
- 3. A metaphorical term for a burdensome or cumbersome task or responsibility.
- Example: After taking on more work at the office, she felt like she was pushing a wheelbarrow uphill.
Etymology
●Middle English 'whelebarwe', from 'wheel' + 'barrow' (a kind of cart).
Common Phrases and Expressions
push a wheelbarrow:
To work hard to carry or move something heavy.
load the wheelbarrow:
To fill the wheelbarrow with materials for transportation.
Related Words
barrow:
A type of cart used to transport materials.
hand truck:
A two-wheeled cart for moving heavy items.
Slang Meanings of wheelbarrow
Meaning: To be burdened or overloaded.
● Example Sentence: He feels like he's pushing a wheelbarrow with all these tasks.
Meaning: A person who is considered incompetent or clumsy.
● Example Sentence: Don't be such a wheelbarrow when it comes to lifting heavy things!