semitrailer

noun

semi·​trail·​er ˈse-ˌmī-ˌtrā-lər How to pronounce semitrailer (audio)
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
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Another 28 people were injured in the 36-vehicle crash, which involved seven semitrailers and 29 passenger vehicles, according to the agency. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026 The storm caused an hours-long mess on Interstate 85 northeast of the city, after a crash left dozens of semitrailers and other vehicles backed up into the evening, according to the State Highway Patrol. Adrian Sainz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 The state announced travel restrictions for some commercial vehicles, such as semitrailers, on interstates starting Friday afternoon. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025 The investigation showed that a sport utility vehicle driven by the 47-year-old woman struck the rear of a slowing semitrailer, according to the release. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for semitrailer

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semitrailer was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Semitrailer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semitrailer. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

semitrailer

noun
semi·​trail·​er ˈsem-i-ˌtrā-lər How to pronounce semitrailer (audio)
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

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