wrecker

noun

wreck·​er ˈre-kər How to pronounce wrecker (audio)
Synonyms of wreckernext
1
a
: one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships (as for rescue or for plunder)
b
: tow truck
2
: one that wrecks
especially : one whose work is the demolition of buildings

Examples of wrecker 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 vehicle was pulled back out of the home with the help of a wrecker. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2026 Cars were then radioless, so the two officers hiked to the nearest phone, put out an all-points bulletin on the car that had got away, and then called for a wrecker. — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026 Police coordinated a removal operation and used wreckers to clear the truck out from under the bridge and off of the road. — Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026 After a police wrecker lifted the truck, officers found a further 11 bodies crushed beneath the iron rods. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrecker

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrecker was in 1693

Phrases Containing wrecker

Rhymes for wrecker

See All Rhymes for wrecker

Browse Nearby Words

wreckage
wrecker
wreckfish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrecker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrecker. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wrecker

noun
wreck·​er ˈrek-ər How to pronounce wrecker (audio)
1
a
: one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships
b
: tow truck
2
: one that wrecks

More from Merriam-Webster on wrecker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wrecker

Nglish: Translation of wrecker for Spanish Speakers

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