semitrailer

noun

semi·​trail·​er ˈse-ˌmī-ˌtrā-lər How to pronounce semitrailer (audio)
ˈse-mē-,
-mi-
plural semitrailers
1
: a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the fifth wheel device of the truck tractor
2
: a trucking rig made up of a tractor and a semitrailer

called also big rig

Examples of semitrailer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The agency said all northbound lanes were open shortly before 6 p.m. ABC 7 in Chicago helicopter footage showed a large presence of emergency responders and apparently two semitrailers badly damaged and charred. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 According to an investigation and witness statements, a semitrailer in the middle lane collided with a pickup truck causing a reaction collision and traffic congestion. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2024 The agency had learned about a semitrailer coming across the Mexican border and agents tracked the drugs to the farmers market, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert Murphy. CBS News, 13 Aug. 2024 Interstate 41/Highway 45 northbound at West Burleigh Street is closed Monday night following the rollover of a semitrailer. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for semitrailer 

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semitrailer was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near semitrailer

Cite this Entry

“Semitrailer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semitrailer. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

semitrailer

noun
semi·​trail·​er ˈsem-i-ˌtrā-lər How to pronounce semitrailer (audio)
ˈsem-ˌī-
1
: a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the truck tractor
2
: a trucking rig made up of a tractor and a semitrailer

More from Merriam-Webster on semitrailer

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