schlep — to carry or drag (something heavy or awkward)
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to carry or drag (something heavy or awkward)
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʃlɛp/
Example Sentences
- My mom made me schlep groceries from the car while she watched TV.
- I don't want to schlep downtown just for a 10-minute meeting.
- Stop schlepping that old couch around - just buy a new one!
schlep
VERB[/ʃlɛp/]
to carry or drag (something heavy or awkward)
Dragging heavy luggage with great effort
Don't schlep up every step - do your prep!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word schlep derives from Yiddish, ultimately tracing back to the German verb schleppen, meaning 'to drag' or 'to pull'. It entered American English through Jewish immigrant communities in the early 20th century, becoming established as everyday vernacular.
Breakdown
German schleppen (to drag, pull) → Yiddish schlep → English schlep. The word underwent phonetic simplification in Yiddish and English, dropping the final syllable while retaining the core meaning of moving something with effort.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom made me schlep groceries from the car while she watched TV.”
“I don't want to schlep downtown just for a 10-minute meeting.”
“Stop schlepping that old couch around - just buy a new one!”
“The schlep to the airport during rush hour was a nightmare.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.