freighter

noun

freight·​er ˈfrā-tər How to pronounce freighter (audio)
Synonyms of freighternext
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 Russian freighter, known as Progress 95, is hauling about 3 tons of food, propellant and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Operating six weekly flights with a dedicated FedEx Boeing 777 freighter, shipments from Vietnam are consolidated in Ho Chi Minh City before being transported to Singapore for a direct flight to Anchorage. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2026 While the blockade against Iran has delivered a severe blow to its economy, including stopping freighters from importing various supplies, the country has still been able to move some of its sanctioned oil, ship tracking companies say. ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 On something huge like a North Sea passenger ferry or a freighter, just stopping the ship can take miles to accomplish, never mind putting about. David Szondy april 19, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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

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