English Reference
noun

chaser

n.
US /ˈtʃeɪsɝ/ UK /tʃˈeɪsɐ/ chas·er UK spelling chasers

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a mild drink, like water or beer, that you drink immediately after a strong shot of alcohol.

    a beverage of lower alcohol content or a non-alcoholic mixer consumed immediately after a neat shot of spirits to mitigate the harshness.

    Simple

    He ordered a tequila shot with a lime and a beer chaser.

    In context

    The bartender recommended a spicy tomato juice chaser to accompany the house-infused vodka, claiming it balanced the heat perfectly.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person or thing that follows or hunts someone else.

    an agent that pursues or follows another, often used in the context of storms or specific goals.

    Simple

    The storm chaser drove toward the clouds to get a better photo of the tornado.

    In context

    As a dedicated bargain chaser, she spent her weekends scouring local estate sales for undervalued mid-century furniture.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced British English Sport

    a horse that is trained to run in races that include jumping over fences.

    a horse specifically bred and trained for steeplechasing, a form of horse racing involving obstacles.

    Simple

    The young chaser showed great promise during its first jump at the local track.

    In context

    The veteran chaser cleared the final water jump with ease, securing a lead that the other thoroughbreds could not close.

    steeplechaser
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    a row of small lights that turn on and off one after another to look like they are moving.

    a sequence of light bulbs that are electronically controlled to illuminate in succession, creating the illusion of motion.

    Simple

    The theater entrance was decorated with bright chaser lights that flashed all night.

    In context

    The technician replaced a faulty relay in the chaser circuit to ensure the marquee lights flowed smoothly for the premiere.

    running lights
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical

    an artist who decorates metal by hitting it to create patterns or designs.

    a skilled artisan who performs chasing, the technique of detailing or ornamenting metal by hammering from the front side.

    Simple

    The master chaser spent hours adding tiny details to the silver bowl.

    In context

    The museum's collection includes several bronze vessels that demonstrate the exquisite precision of a seventeenth-century chaser.

    engraverembosser
  6. 06 C1 Advanced Slang

    a person who is only interested in dating people with one specific physical quality.

    a person who exclusively seeks out sexual or romantic partners based on a specific physical trait or identity, often in a way that feels objectifying.

    Simple

    She realized he was just a chaser who wasn't interested in her personality.

    In context

    Community advocates warned that chasers often ignore the humanity of the people they pursue, focusing only on specific physical attributes.

  7. 07 C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    a long wire used to pull electrical cables through walls.

    a flexible wire or tape used by electricians to navigate through conduits or wall cavities to pull wiring.

    Simple

    The electrician used a chaser to get the new internet cable through the ceiling.

    In context

    After several failed attempts to feed the wire manually, the contractor resorted to using a heavy-duty chaser to bypass the insulation.

    fish tapedraw wire

Eclipse chasers stake out their viewing spots in Iceland.

The New York Times· 12 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

Inherited from Middle English chaser, chacer, chasour, borrowed from Old French chaceür, chaceor, from chacier (“to chase, hunt”); later senses from or influenced by chase (“pursue”) + -er. Doublet of chasseur.

Etymology 2

From chase (“groove; decorate metal”) + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French chaceür
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated