English Reference
noun

trainer

n.
US /ˈtɹeɪnɝ/ UK /tɹˈeɪnɐ/ train·er UK spelling trainers

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    a person who teaches skills to people or animals, especially for a job or sport.

    a person who provides instruction or practice in a specific skill, profession, or physical activity.

    Simple

    The corporate trainer spent the morning teaching the new staff how to use the software.

    In context

    The professional dog trainer emphasized that consistency in hand signals is more effective than verbal commands alone.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary British English Sport

    a comfortable shoe designed for sports or exercise.

    a soft, comfortable shoe designed for sports or casual wear.

    Simple

    I need to buy a new pair of trainers for my running club on Tuesdays.

    In context

    The athlete laced up her trainers before heading out for a ten-mile recovery run along the coast.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'trainers'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is the standard term in British English; American English speakers almost exclusively use 'sneakers'.

    sneakerrunning shoe
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    a person who helps athletes with their injuries during a game.

    a healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians to provide preventative services and emergency care for athletes.

    Simple

    The trainer ran onto the field to check on the player's twisted ankle.

    In context

    After the collision, the athletic trainer performed a brief concussion protocol before allowing the player to return to the match.

    Teacher's tip

    In the US, an 'athletic trainer' is a specific medical role, distinct from a 'coach'.

    physiotherapistmedic
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    a piece of equipment that lets you ride your own bicycle while staying in one place.

    a device that supports a bicycle and provides resistance, allowing it to be ridden indoors for exercise.

    Simple

    It was raining outside, so he set up his bike on the trainer in the garage.

    In context

    Modern smart trainers can simulate the resistance of steep hills by communicating directly with indoor cycling software.

    turbo trainer
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Slang Computing

    a small program that lets you cheat in a video game.

    a program designed to modify a computer game's memory to enable cheats such as infinite health or ammunition.

    Simple

    He downloaded a trainer to get past the hardest level of the game.

    In context

    While trainers are popular in single-player modes, using them in online multiplayer environments often results in a permanent ban.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

    a tool used to help plant roots or branches grow in a specific direction.

    a horticultural device, such as a specialized pot, designed to encourage healthy root architecture or specific growth patterns.

    Simple

    The gardener used a root trainer to make sure the young trees grew strong roots.

    In context

    Air-pruning root trainers prevent the taproot from circling the pot, ensuring a more robust system once the sapling is transplanted.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated