wrecker

noun

wreck·​er ˈre-kər 

1

a

: one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships (as for rescue or for plunder)

b

: tow truck

2

: one that wrecks

especially : one whose work is the demolition of buildings

Examples of wrecker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vehicle sustained major damage and had to be removed by a wrecker. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2024

In 1831, Jacob Housman, a wrecker who salvaged cargo from shipwrecks, settled in Indian Key and established it as the first county seat for Dade County. —Emma Janssen, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024

Carter has the potential to be a game-plan wrecker inside, the sort of defensive tackle that opens up opportunities for pass rushers — like star linebacker Haason Reddick, who had 16 sacks last season — and can blow holes in the interior in the run game. —Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023

Hodge retrieved items from the plane and helped members of the Wetumpka fire department load the plane onto a wrecker after it was pulled from the ditch. —Mike Cason | [e-mail], al, 3 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wrecker

• home-wrecker

Kids Definition

wrecker

noun

wreck·​er ˈrek-ər 

1

a

: one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships

b

: tow truck

2

: one that wrecks