ENGLISH
REFERENCE

collier

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkɑɫjɝ// UK //kˈɒliɐ// col·lier Archaic Slang

n. a person who works in a coal mine or a ship that carries coal.

n. a coal miner or a vessel specifically designed for the bulk transport of coal. Primarily used in British English or historical nautical contexts.


SIMPLE

The old collier spent thirty years working underground.

CONTEXTUAL

The harbor was crowded with colliers waiting to unload their heavy cargo of fuel for the city's factories.

COMPLEX

During the industrial revolution, the steady arrival of colliers at the port was essential for maintaining the steam-powered machinery that drove the local economy.

Synonyms
Origin

Derived from the name of occupation - collier (“charcoal burner”).

Usage

Refers to both the worker and the ship; the nautical sense is common in historical literature.

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