tanker

n. a very large ship used for carrying liquids like oil or chemicals across the ocean.

n. a merchant vessel designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk, most commonly crude oil.

“The oil tanker was so large it took several miles to come to a full stop.”

“Environmental regulations were tightened significantly after the tanker ran aground, spilling thousands of tonnes of crude oil into the sensitive coastal ecosystem.”

n. a heavy truck with a large tank on the back for carrying fuel or milk.

n. a motor vehicle, typically a heavy goods vehicle, equipped with a large tank for transporting bulk liquids by road.

“A water tanker arrived at the village to help during the drought.”

“The motorway was closed for several hours while emergency crews worked to drain the overturned petrol tanker safely.”

n. a plane that carries fuel to fill up other planes while they are flying.

n. an aircraft designed for aerial refuelling, equipped to transfer fuel to other aircraft during flight.

“The fighter jets met the tanker over the ocean to refuel before their mission.”

“Strategic operations in remote regions rely heavily on the availability of tankers to extend the operational range of tactical aircraft.”

Technical

n. a soldier who works inside a military tank.

n. a member of the crew of a military tank or an armoured unit.

“The veteran tanker explained how difficult it was to see out of the small windows.”

“The museum interview provided a rare glimpse into the daily lives of tankers serving in the desert during the Second World War.”

Informal

v. to carry more fuel than you need for a flight to avoid buying expensive fuel at the next airport.

v. to carry a surplus of fuel on an outbound flight to avoid refuelling at a destination where costs are higher.

“The airline decided to tanker fuel because prices were much higher at the destination.”

“While tankering fuel can save on procurement costs, the added weight increases the overall fuel burn during the cruise phase of the flight.”

Technical