Word
trucker
Phoneticstruck·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹəkɝ/
UK/tɹˈʌkɐ/
Definitions
01a truck driver
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a person who drives a truck as their job, often traveling long distances.
n. a professional driver of a truck or heavy goods vehicle, typically engaged in long-haul transport.
“The trucker stopped at a roadside café for a coffee before continuing his long journey.”
“Experienced truckers often prefer driving at night when the motorways are less congested and they can maintain a steady pace.”
Synonyms
02a dishonest person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Dialect · British English · Archaic
n. a person who is dishonest or cannot be trusted.
n. a deceitful or disreputable person; a rogue or cheat.
“He was known as a bit of a trucker who would always try to trick people out of their money.”
“The local stories described him as a notorious trucker, warning newcomers not to enter into any business agreements with him.”
Usage
Primarily found in older Scottish or Northern English dialects.
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic and dialectal; modern learners will almost exclusively encounter 'trucker' in the context of driving.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Diesel prices hit truckers, who deliver a vast range of products to consumers and markets across the nation.” “Punjabi Dhaba is a family-run truck in Bakersfield, serving simple fare, like parathas stuffed with a mix of vegetables, to a growing population of Californian truckers with roots in Punjab.” Etymology
From Middle English *trukere (“one who disappoints, a deceiver”), from Middle English trukien (“to fail, run out, disappoint”), equivalent to truck (“to fail”) + -er (agent noun suffix). Compare trooker.
From truck (“a vehicle”) + -er (occupational suffix).
From truck (“to barter, trade”) + -er (agent noun suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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