wrecker

noun

wreck·​er ˈre-kər 

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

The vehicle was pulled back out of the home with the help of a wrecker. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2026

First responders arrived at the scene and observed a motor vehicle that had been involved in a head-on collision with a heavy-duty wrecker. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026

When first responders arrived, a diver swam to the vehicle and connected it to a wrecker so the car could be pulled out of the water. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 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

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wrecker

• home-wrecker

Rhymes for wrecker

• checker
• chequer
• decker
• exchequer
• woodpecker

Kids Definition

wrecker

noun

wreck·​er ˈrek-ər 

1

a

: one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships

b

: tow truck

2

: one that wrecks