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tractor

noun
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trac·​tor | \ ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce tractor (audio) \

Definition of tractor

1a : a 4-wheeled or tracklaying automotive vehicle used especially for drawing farm equipment
b : a smaller 2-wheeled apparatus controlled through handlebars by a walking operator
c : truck entry 1 sense 1b
2 : an airplane having the propeller forward of the main supporting surfaces

Illustration of tractor

Illustration of tractor

tractor 1a

Examples of tractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Florida authorities are investigating a tractor-trailer explosion near a Walmart that forced an evacuation on Black Friday, according to reports. — Peter Aitken, Fox News, "Florida authorities investigate tractor-trailer explosion near a Walmart," 28 Nov. 2020 The blaze began just after 5 a.m. in a tractor-trailer near the Cortez Boulevard store, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. — NBC News, "Florida Walmart evacuated after Black Friday parking lot fire," 27 Nov. 2020 The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured and remained at the scene, police said. — Taylor Deville, baltimoresun.com, "Pedestrian fatally struck by tractor trailer after walking onto highway in Arbutus, police say," 25 Nov. 2020 The mayor and fire chief were also expected to showcase the city’s newest firefighting apparatus, a tractor-trailer aerial truck designed for battling blazes in high-density residential areas. — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego opens new fire station in University City," 24 Nov. 2020 Hess, 26, collided with a tractor-trailer, and died at the scene. — Sarah Kay Leblanc, USA TODAY, "Beating the odds: The world's most premature twins to celebrate 2nd birthday," 23 Nov. 2020 The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the wreck. — Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, "Police: No charges expected in Montgomery crash that killed 3," 18 Nov. 2020 Northbound lanes of Interstate 270 were closed Wednesday afternoon in Maryland after a tractor-trailer crash, authorities said. — Washington Post, "Northbound I-270 closed after tractor-trailer overturns," 11 Nov. 2020 Pay for tractor-trailer and some other drivers starts at $28.00 per hour. — Chase Difeliciantonio, SFChronicle.com, "Looking for a job? These companies are hiring in the Bay Area ahead of the holidays," 8 Nov. 2020

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

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First Known Use of tractor

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for tractor

New Latin, from Latin trahere

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Time Traveler for tractor

Time Traveler

The first known use of tractor was in 1900

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Statistics for tractor

Last Updated

29 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Tractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tractor. Accessed 4 Dec. 2020.

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More Definitions for tractor

tractor

noun
How to pronounce tractor (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tractor

: a large vehicle that has two large back wheels and two smaller front wheels and that is used to pull farm equipment
US : a short, heavy truck that is designed to pull a large trailer

See the full definition for tractor in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tractor

noun
trac·​tor | \ ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce tractor (audio) \

Kids Definition of tractor

1 : a vehicle that has large rear wheels or moves on endless belts and is used especially for pulling farm implements
2 : a short truck for hauling a trailer

tractor

noun
trac·​tor | \ ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce tractor (audio) \

Medical Definition of tractor

: an instrument used to exert traction on a body part or tissue (as in surgical procedures) a urethral tractor

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More from Merriam-Webster on tractor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tractor

Nglish: Translation of tractor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tractor for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tractor

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