freighter

noun

freight·​er ˈfrā-tər How to pronounce freighter (audio)
Synonyms of freighternext
1
: one that loads or charters and loads a ship
2
: shipper
3
: a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

Examples of freighter in a Sentence

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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 freighter, with a crew of 25, was sailing with limited engine power Sunday evening. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Cargo ship cruisers For centuries, cargo ships have welcomed paying passengers, making freighter tourism a niche but enduring industry. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Dragon is the only currently operational freighter that can carry cargo in the downward direction. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 New orders secured The company has reportedly attracted over 100 orders for the new freighter even as flight testing gets underway. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freighter

Word History

Etymology

freight entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of freighter was in 1622

Rhymes for freighter

See All Rhymes for freighter

Browse Nearby Words

freight claim
freighter
freight house
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freighter. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

freighter

noun
freight·​er ˈfrāt-ər How to pronounce freighter (audio)
1
: a person who carries or ships freight
2
: a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

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