trainer

noun

train·​er ˈtrā-nər 

1

: a person who trains someone or something: such as

a

: one whose occupation is to guide or instruct people in fitness and exercise routines

a personal trainer

When we run the track, Stan Ward, a boxing and conditioning trainer, times us.

—Bridgett Riley

b

: one who oversees the training of animals

a dog/horse trainer

A trainer uses the clicker to create an auditory cue that marks a particular behavior and then rewards the dog with a treat.

—C. C. Holland

2

: a person who treats the ailments and minor injuries of the members of an athletic team

… he landed so hard that the wind was knocked out of him. He lay writhing on the ground as Herm Schneider, the team trainer, rushed to his side.

—William Nack

3

: something (such as a machine or vehicle) used in training see also elliptical trainer

4

chiefly British : sneaker sense 2

They wore trainers, scuffed and old, with the laces loose and the tongues protruding in defiance at the ankle.

—M. J. Trow

Synonyms

• coach

Examples of trainer in a Sentence

the boxer and his trainer

She hired a personal trainer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Robertson remained on the field for a few moments, visibly shaken, before being helped off by trainers. —David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025

He’s helped make recovery a more regular part of Notre Dame’s routine, working alongside head trainer Rob Hunt and the rest of the sports performance team. —Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

In this third of three photos, Jay Lloyd, personal trainer at the Little Rock Athletic Club, demonstrates the Rope Skullcrusher for Matt Parrott's Master Class. —Matt Parrott, arkansasonline.com, 19 Jan. 2025

Fritz's right foot was treated by a trainer during the match. —Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trainer

• athletic trainer
• cross-trainer
• elliptical trainer

Kids Definition

trainer

noun

train·​er ˈtrān-ər 

1

: one that trains

2

: a person who treats the minor ailments and injuries of the members of an athletic team