semitrailer

noun

semi·trail·er | \ˈse-ˌmī-ˌtrā-lər,

ˈse-mē-, -mi-\

Definition of semitrailer

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

Examples of semitrailer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The strictly manual transmission is disappearing from the cabs of semitrailer trucks — and the strong economy is one reason why. — Adam Belz, The Seattle Times, "Semis, the last bastion of stick shifts, are going automated," 10 Sep. 2018 The driver of the semitrailer, Michael Puryear, 58, of South Carolina, tried to avoid Rodrick’s car but a collision occurred, ultimately causing the truck to roll on its side and slide across the median into the westbound lanes. — Amy Lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Four injured in two Porter County crashes," 11 May 2018 Perry found that many of the roads semitrailers would have to travel are rural and not designed for heavy loads. — Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Mississippi River lock and dam system is critical to the economy. But it's falling apart fast.," 1 June 2018 Joleen learned that her husband had been driving east on I-94 when pieces of a brake drum fell off a semitrailer truck. — Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Nightmare #1: Husband's death by flying debris on I-94. Nightmare #2: The investigation," 29 June 2018 An eastbound semitrailer truck loaded with apples and an SUV were slowing for the merging traffic when the truck struck the SUV and pushed it into another semi. — John Sowell, idahostatesman, "Contractor herding traffic near fiery I-84 crash had safety plan. Here's what it said," 29 June 2018 The driver of a semitrailer truck that crashed and fell from a highway overpass Sunday in Kansas City, Kan., survived the wreck and was hospitalized in serious condition, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. — Ian Cummings, Joe Robertson, Robert A. Cronkleton And Tammy Ljungblad, kansascity, "'Miracle he's alive': Driver hospitalized after semi truck falls off overpass in KCK," 25 June 2018 Just last week, authorities in San Antonio charged a South Texas man with human smuggling after 54 immigrants were found in a semitrailer. — Samantha Schmidt, Anchorage Daily News, "5 killed in Texas crash after SUV packed with immigrants flees Border Patrol, authorities say," 18 June 2018 Just last week, authorities in San Antonio charged a South Texas man with human smuggling after 54 immigrants were found in a semitrailer. — Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, "5 killed in Texas crash after SUV packed with immigrants flees Border Patrol, authorities say," 18 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'semitrailer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.