covered wagon


noun

a large wagon with a high, bonnetlike canvas top, especially such a wagon used by pioneers to transport themselves and their possessions across the North American plains during the westward migrations in the 19th century.
British Railroads. a boxcar.

Origin of covered wagon

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45

British Dictionary definitions for covered wagon

covered wagon

noun

US and Canadian a large wagon with an arched canvas top, used formerly for prairie travel

Cultural definitions for covered wagon

covered wagon

A typical conveyance for settlers moving west with their belongings. It was drawn by horses or oxen and equipped with a canvas cover, often supported by hoops, to keep off rain.