trainer

noun

train·​er ˈtrā-nər How to pronounce trainer (audio)
1
: a person who trains someone or something: such as
a
: one whose occupation is to guide or instruct people in fitness and exercise routines
a personal trainer
When we run the track, Stan Ward, a boxing and conditioning trainer, times us.Bridgett Riley
b
: one who oversees the training of animals
a dog/horse trainer
A trainer uses the clicker to create an auditory cue that marks a particular behavior and then rewards the dog with a treat.C. C. Holland
2
: a person who treats the ailments and minor injuries of the members of an athletic team
… he landed so hard that the wind was knocked out of him. He lay writhing on the ground as Herm Schneider, the team trainer, rushed to his side.William Nack
3
: something (such as a machine or vehicle) used in training see also elliptical trainer
4
chiefly British : sneaker sense 2
They wore trainers, scuffed and old, with the laces loose and the tongues protruding in defiance at the ankle.M. J. Trow

Example Sentences

the boxer and his trainer She hired a personal trainer.
Recent Examples on the Web The trainer, Eric Reed, had been around the Kentucky and Ohio racing circuit forever but never won a race of that caliber. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2023 Loren Brutsch, who edited this article is an avid bodybuilder and strength trainer. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 24 Apr. 2023 Curry’s personal trainer, Brandon Payne, keeps saying Curry hasn’t reached his performance peak. Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Apr. 2023 In videos posted to her Instagram Story yesterday, the Good American founder shared behind-the-scenes clips of a workout session with her trainer—and her baby boy made a sweet cameo. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Apr. 2023 On what looked like a smart piece of opposite-field hitting, Seager, the $325-million man, pulled up between first and second base in the fifth inning, grabbed back at his left hamstring, limped into the bag with a double, then walked off with an athletic trainer. Evan Grant, Dallas News, 12 Apr. 2023 On a crowded speedboat making a night crossing in rough waters off Colombia in January, Daniel Huang, a former Shanghai fitness trainer, began to regret his decision to try to enter the U.S. via Latin America. Wenxin Fan, wsj.com, 16 Apr. 2023 Following a visit from manager Kevin Cash and a team trainer, Springs tried throwing one warm-up pitch, seemed to indicate some discomfort in his arm and exited the game. Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2023 Griffith’s trainer, Gil Clancy, restrained him and told him to save his anger for the fight. Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trainer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trainer was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near trainer

Cite this Entry

“Trainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trainer. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

trainer

noun
train·​er ˈtrān-ər How to pronounce trainer (audio)
1
: one that trains
2
: a person who treats the minor ailments and injuries of the members of an athletic team

More from Merriam-Webster on trainer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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