English Reference
noun

pusher

n.
US /ˈpʊʃɝ/ UK /pˈʊʃɐ/ push·er UK spelling pushers

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalSlang

    someone who sells illegal drugs to others.

    a person who sells illegal drugs, particularly one who actively seeks out new customers.

    Simple

    The police arrested a local pusher who was selling drugs near the park.

    In context

    Undercover officers spent months tracking the pusher before they had enough evidence to dismantle the entire distribution network.

    dealersuppliertrafficker
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishDialect

    a small chair on wheels used for moving a baby around while you walk.

    a wheeled vehicle for transporting a baby or young child.

    Simple

    She put the baby in the pusher and went for a walk in the garden.

    In context

    The new model of pusher is designed to be lightweight and foldable, making it ideal for parents who frequently use public transport.

    strollerprampushchair
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    a person or thing that physically pushes something.

    an agent or mechanism that applies physical force to move an object forward.

    Simple

    The crowd was so thick that the people at the back became pushers, forcing everyone forward.

    In context

    In some busy metropolitan subway systems, professional pushers are employed to ensure passengers are safely inside the carriages before the doors close.

    shoverpropeller
    puller
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    an airplane that has its propeller at the back instead of the front.

    an aircraft configuration in which the propeller is mounted behind the engine or fuselage, pushing the plane forward.

    Simple

    The early aviator experimented with a pusher design to give the pilot a better view.

    In context

    While most modern light aircraft use a tractor configuration, certain specialized drones utilize a pusher propeller to keep the camera's field of view clear.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    a tennis player who just hits the ball back safely and waits for the other person to make a mistake.

    a defensive player who avoids aggressive shots, instead focusing on returning the ball consistently to induce opponent errors.

    Simple

    He is a frustrating pusher who never hits a winner but never misses the court.

    In context

    The young prodigy struggled against the veteran pusher, finding it difficult to generate pace against such soft and consistent returns.

    counterpuncher
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated