tanker

noun

tank·​er ˈtaŋ-kər 

1

a

: a cargo ship fitted with tanks for carrying liquid in bulk

b

: a vehicle on which a tank is mounted to carry fluids

also : a cargo airplane for transporting fuel

2

: a member of a military tank crew

Examples of tanker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The analysts said watching for movement of the tanker aircraft could be one sign US action is coming soon, as well as if strike aircraft like the B-1 bomber or F-15 Strike Eagle are moved closer to Iran. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026

Even in a scenario where Iran attempts a temporary disruption, such as harassing tankers or briefly blocking transit, the physical impact on supply would be limited. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026

Some foreign ports even refuse tankers with heavy crude. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026

The United States has seized another tanker in its campaign to control the flow of oil to and from Venezuela. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tanker

• oil tanker

Rhymes for tanker

• anchor
• anker
• banker
• canker
• hanker
• rancor
• shanker

Kids Definition

tanker

noun

tank·​er ˈtaŋ-kər 

: a vehicle (as a ship, truck, or aircraft) designed for the transportation of liquids