# trooper

/ˈtɹupɝ/ (US) · /tɹˈuːpɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a resilient person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

someone who continues to work hard or stay positive even when things are difficult or they feel unwell.

For teachers: a person who stoically endures adversity or continues to perform a task despite hardship. Often used as a figurative extension of the military sense.

- Even though he had a bad cold, he was a real trooper and finished the project.
- Despite the grueling schedule and the lack of resources, the lead researcher proved to be a real trooper, maintaining team morale until the deadline.

### 2. a soldier

noun · CEFR B2

a soldier, especially one who is in a unit that uses tanks or horses.

For teachers: a soldier of private rank in a cavalry or armored unit; more broadly, any member of a military troop.

- The young trooper stood at attention as the commander walked past.
- The regiment consisted of seasoned troopers who had served in armored divisions across multiple international deployments.

### 3. a highway police officer

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a member of a state police force, especially one who patrols highways.

For teachers: a state police officer, typically one tasked with patrolling highways and enforcing traffic laws.

- A state trooper pulled the car over for driving too fast on the highway.
- The trooper requested the driver's license and registration before explaining the hazards of speeding in such heavy rain.

### 4. to work steadily

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to keep working at a difficult or boring job without complaining.

For teachers: to work steadily and stoically at an unpleasant or demanding task.

- We just had to trooper on until the busy season was finally over.
- The staff had to trooper through the weekend to ensure the software migration was completed before the Monday morning rush.

Usage: often used with 'on' as in 'to trooper on'

## Examples

- She worked through her cold like a real trooper.
- Even though the hike was exhausting and it started to rain, the kids were total troopers and never complained.
- Despite the grueling schedule and several technical setbacks, the lead developer proved to be a real trooper, staying late every night until the software was finally ready for launch.

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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.