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

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.
Six oil and gas freighters were observed navigating on a route that cleaves close to Oman’s coast. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Poor reliability on both sides of the border and lengthy line closures caused by landslips have caused freighters to abandon rail. — Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 May 2026 Airbus is also developing the A350F freighter, which is expected to complete its first flight later this year. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026 The 747’s fusion of aeronautical ability and symbolic power earned it many roles beyond passenger liner and freighter. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on freighter

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for freighter

Nglish: Translation of freighter for Spanish Speakers

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