# commuter

/kəmˈjutɝ/ (US) · /kəmjˈuːtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commuter
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a person traveling to work

noun · CEFR B1

someone who travels between home and work or school every day.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a transport system

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a short way to talk about a train or bus used by people going to work.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The commuter waits for the morning train.
- Heavy rain slowed the morning commute for every commuter on the highway.
- Urban planners are redesigning city centers to accommodate the growing number of commuters who rely on public transport rather than private cars.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.