Word
commuter
Phoneticscom·muter
US/kəmˈjutɝ/
UK/kəmjˈuːtɐ/
Definitions
01a person traveling to work
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who travels between home and work or school every day.
n. a person who regularly travels a significant distance between their home and place of work or study.
“The morning train was packed with commuters reading the news or sleeping.”
“The city council is looking for ways to reduce the number of commuters who drive solo into the city center during rush hour.”
Usage
Often used as a compound noun, such as 'commuter train' or 'commuter belt'.
Teaching tip
While 'traveler' is general, 'commuter' specifically implies a repetitive, daily routine for work or education.
02a transport system
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a short way to talk about a train or bus used by people going to work.
n. a metonymic reference to a transport vehicle or system, such as a commuter train or bus service.
“I usually catch the 7:15 commuter to get to the office by eight.”
“The regional transit authority announced that the late-night commuter would be suspended for track maintenance throughout the month of July.”
Usage
Usually functions as a noun referring to the vehicle itself in casual speech.
Teaching tip
This is a common shortening in urban areas; for example, 'I missed the commuter' instead of 'I missed the commuter train'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From commute + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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