English Reference
Noun

stretcher

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈstɹɛtʃɝ/ UK /stɹˈɛtʃɐ/ stretch·er UK spelling stretchers Architecture Nautical

n.a simple bed used for carrying a person who is sick or hurt. It usually has handles at both ends so two people can lift it.

n.a portable frame or litter designed for transporting sick, injured, or deceased persons. Often consists of a canvas sheet stretched over a metal or wooden frame with handles.


SIMPLE

The paramedics carefully lifted the patient onto the stretcher.

CONTEXTUAL

After the player collapsed on the field, the medical team arrived with a stretcher to carry him to the ambulance.

COMPLEX

In emergency medicine, the rapid deployment of a stretcher is critical for stabilizing patients with suspected spinal injuries before they are moved to a hospital setting.

Usage

Commonly used with the verb 'to carry' or 'to lift'.

Karetsas was treated laying down then taken away on a stretcher.

The Guardian· 8 Sept 2026

From stretch + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated