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 solution was to take existing unarmored commercial cargo ships and tankers, adding a wooden flight deck, small island superstructures, and enough hangar space and support systems to handle up to 30 aircraft. — David Szondy july 21, New Atlas, 22 July 2026

That came after Iran attacked a tanker in the strait Tuesday, forcing the crew to abandon the ship. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

The British military maritime operations center said a tanker was attacked Tuesday in the disputed area. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026

Those exports have acted as a crucial relief valve for global oil markets as Iran attacks tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 22 July 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