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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The semitrailer then continued over the median into the northbound lanes, struck another semitrailer carrying gasoline and rolled onto its side, blocking both directions of I-25, according to the release. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 29 May 2025 The National Transportation Safety Board said driver fatigue and poor company oversight of its drivers also played key roles when the Greyhound bus exited Interstate 70 onto a rest area ramp east of St. Louis and struck three semitrailers parked on the shoulder. John O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 The semitrailer rolled onto its side, sending dimes cascading onto the road, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Tony De La Cerda told The Messenger. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025 Fans on the upper concourse have to stand in long lines waiting for concessions at the few available vendors, and while four loading docks may have been plenty for Manilow, Timberlake had 25 semitrailers full of equipment (not counting tour buses). Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Semitrailer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semitrailer. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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

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