trainer

noun

train·​er ˈtrā-nər 

plural trainers

1

: a person who trains someone or something: such as

a

: someone who oversees the training of people in a specific discipline

When we run the track, Stan Ward, a boxing and conditioning trainer, times us.

—Bridgett Riley

especially : personal trainer

A good trainer does more than count your biceps curls: She suggests the best types of exercises for your goal … and teaches you how to do the moves correctly.

—Sarah Bowen Shea

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

: athletic trainer

… 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

Synonyms of trainer

• coach
• manager

Examples of trainer in a Sentence

the boxer and his trainer

She hired a personal trainer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026

For Napoleon Solo’s trainer Chad Summers, this was his first Triple Crown win. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 May 2026

Zero gave birth to eight puppies before she and her pups were reunited with owner and trainer Kim Lark. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be in the field, with the horse’s trainers opting to skip the Preakness Stakes to allow Golden Tempo more time to recover after a magical win earlier this month. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trainer

• athletic trainer
• cross-trainer
• elliptical trainer
• personal trainer

Rhymes for trainer

• gainer
• plainer
• planar
• planer
• saner
• stainer
• strainer
• abstainer
• campaigner
• complainer
• container
• coplanar

Kids Definition

trainer

noun

train·​er ˈtrān-ər 

1

: one that trains

2

: a person who treats the minor ailments and injuries of the members of an athletic team