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

Examples of trainer in a Sentence

the boxer and his trainer She hired a personal trainer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a trainer with a very worldly resume, Yahagi has played a major role in elevating the Japanese racing brand around the globe. Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 Fine is a 32-year-old celebrity fitness trainer who rides bulls, according to the New York Post. David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Now here are today's top stories: Legendary horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas has died at age 89, according to a statement from his family. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Studies show that people who work with personal trainers see better results than those who go it alone. Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for trainer

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trainer was in 1543

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Cite this Entry

“Trainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trainer. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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

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