# trainer

/ˈtɹeɪnɝ/ (US) · /tɹˈeɪnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trainer
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. an instructor

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The corporate trainer spent the morning teaching the new staff how to use the software.
- The professional dog trainer emphasized that consistency in hand signals is more effective than verbal commands alone.

### 2. sports shoes

noun · CEFR A2 · British English

a comfortable shoe designed for sports or exercise.

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

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

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

### 3. medical staff

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

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

- The trainer ran onto the field to check on the player's twisted ankle.
- After the collision, the athletic trainer performed a brief concussion protocol before allowing the player to return to the match.

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

### 4. stationary bike stand

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- It was raining outside, so he set up his bike on the trainer in the garage.
- Modern smart trainers can simulate the resistance of steep hills by communicating directly with indoor cycling software.

### 5. software cheat

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

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

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

- He downloaded a trainer to get past the hardest level of the game.
- While trainers are popular in single-player modes, using them in online multiplayer environments often results in a permanent ban.

### 6. plant growth device

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The gardener used a root trainer to make sure the young trees grew strong roots.
- Air-pruning root trainers prevent the taproot from circling the pot, ensuring a more robust system once the sapling is transplanted.

## Examples

- I asked my fitness trainer for a new workout plan.
- The company hired a professional trainer to teach the staff how to use the new software system.
- While the athlete possessed natural talent, it was the guidance of a dedicated trainer that refined his technique for the national championships.

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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.