lift? /lift/ noun 1 AmE elevator(C] a machine in a large building that is used for carrying people or goods from one floor to another: It's on the third floor so we'd better take the lift. 2[C a free ride in a car, etc.: Can you give me a lift to the station, please? I got a lift from a passing car. 3[sing.] (informal a feeling of being happier or more confident than before: Her words of encouragement gave the whole team a lift. 4[sing. the action of moving or being moved to a higher position ODN1 thumb a lift- THUMB