freighter

noun

freight·​er ˈfrā-tər How to pronounce freighter (audio)
1
: one that loads or charters and loads a ship
2
3
: a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

Examples of freighter 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 carrier also has five air freighters in the fleet. Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 In the six years since then, Boeing has only received orders for 28 planes, and that was mostly for freighters or from Chinese leasing companies, which could be buying them on behalf of airlines outside China. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025 The newest freighter on the Great Lakes, the MV Mark W. Barker, was launched in 2022. Cassidey Kavathas, Freep.com, 31 July 2025 But five days later, a passing Russian freighter rescued Cavanagh and a crewmate, Deborah Scaling. John Blake, CNN Money, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for freighter

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of freighter was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freighter. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

freighter

noun
freight·​er ˈfrāt-ər How to pronounce freighter (audio)
1
: a person who carries or ships freight
2
: a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

More from Merriam-Webster on freighter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!