tractor

noun

trac·​tor ˈtrak-tər 

1

a

: a 4-wheeled or tracklaying automotive vehicle used especially for drawing farm equipment

b

: a smaller 2-wheeled apparatus controlled through handlebars by a walking operator

c

: truck entry 1 sense 1b

2

: an airplane having the propeller forward of the main supporting surfaces

Illustration of tractor

• tractor 1a

Examples of tractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two years ago, Dalilah was severely injured when a tractor-trailer slammed into her family's car in California. —Joel Rose, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026

Piehsak has six brothers and sisters, and their mother is at a loss because her husband, the only one who can drive the heavy tractor, was called up to join a unit at the frontline. —John Vink, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026

Visitors can stroll through acres of giant Tecolote ranunculus or take in the blooms from a tractor wagon. —Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

The Minneapolis Fire Department is investigating after six semi-tractors caught fire in a parking lot. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin trahere

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tractor

• tractor-trailer

Rhymes for tractor

• acter
• actor
• factor
• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• extractor
• impactor
• protractor

Kids Definition

tractor

noun

trac·​tor ˈtrak-tər 

1

: a vehicle that has large rear wheels or moves on tracks and is used especially for pulling farm implements

2

: a short truck with no body used in combination with a trailer for hauling freight

Medical Definition

tractor

noun

trac·​tor ˈtrak-tər 

: an instrument used to exert traction on a body part or tissue (as in surgical procedures)

a urethral tractor