haul
To load something up and take it somewhere, usually by truck.
Updated September 24, 2026
haul pronunciation
/HAWL/
Meaning
In rural Southern talk, haul is everyday work language. You haul hay, firewood, scrap metal, a busted washing machine, or a load of kids to the ball field. It means pull, carry, or truck something from here to there, often with some weight behind it. A haul can also mean the load itself, or how far you are going.
How folks use it
- “Daddy said we need to haul that brush out to the burn pile.”
- “Can you help me haul these feed bags out of the truck?”
Origin and etymology
From Middle English and Old French words for pulling or dragging. Farm and truck country kept the word busy: if it needs moving and it is heavy, you haul it. Related talk like "haul off" (draw back and do something) grew from the same pull-back feel.
Frequently asked questions
What does haul off mean?
Often it means to draw back and suddenly do something, like "haul off and hit." It can also mean to take action or clear out. Different from hauling a load down the road.