semitrailer

noun

semi·​trail·​er ˈse-ˌmī-ˌtrā-lər 

ˈse-mē-,

-mi-

plural semitrailers

1

: a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the fifth wheel device of the truck tractor

2

: a trucking rig made up of a tractor and a semitrailer

called also big rig

Examples of semitrailer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities said that during the stop, the driver fled and turned the semitrailer around the wrong way, then struck two law enforcement vehicles and the Santaquin police officer, who died at the scene. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 5 May 2024

Five people, including an infant, are injured after a FedEx semitrailer rolled over a bridge in Pittsford, New York, Thursday morning, according to officials. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

semitrailer

noun

semi·​trail·​er ˈsem-i-ˌtrā-lər 

ˈsem-ˌī-

1

: a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the truck tractor

2

: a trucking rig made up of a tractor and a semitrailer