# dodger

/ˈdɑdʒɝ/ (US) · /dˈɒdʒɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dodger
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

someone who avoids doing something they are supposed to do, like paying taxes or following rules. It is often used for people who find clever ways to escape their duties.

For teachers: a person who habitually avoids a specific duty, obligation, or payment. Often used in compound forms like 'tax dodger' or 'draft dodger' to specify the avoided responsibility.

## Examples

- The ticket dodger tried to hide when the inspector arrived.
- The government introduced stricter penalties to catch every tax dodger who hides money in offshore accounts.
- While he presented himself as a law-abiding citizen, he was known locally as a draft dodger who had fled the country to avoid military service during the conflict.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as the second element in compound nouns to describe the specific thing being avoided.

---

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.