tractor

noun

trac·​tor ˈtrak-tər 

1

a

: 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

• tractor 1a

Examples of tractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, a tractor usually comes along within minutes to grab the full bins and transport them back to the barn for stitching. —Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2025

The semi driver was trapped inside the cab and died at the scene; the tractor driver was able to get out before it was engulfed by the fire. —Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Logistical challenges, like mapping steep slopes, are resolved through iterative field trials, while the shift in team skill sets has empowered the human workforce to oversee fleets of robots rather than just drive tractors. —Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

The 16th annual tractor parade promotes Michigan agriculture and the love of vintage tractors, the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau's website says. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin trahere

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tractor

• tractor trailer

Rhymes for tractor

• acter
• actor
• factor
• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• extractor
• impactor
• protractor

Kids Definition

tractor

noun

trac·​tor ˈtrak-tər 

1

: a vehicle that has large rear wheels or moves on tracks and is used especially for pulling farm implements

2

: a short truck with no body used in combination with a trailer for hauling freight

Medical Definition

tractor

noun

trac·​tor ˈtrak-tər 

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

a urethral tractor