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

After a police wrecker lifted the truck, officers found a further 11 bodies crushed beneath the iron rods. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026

The next step for him is to make the jump into a consistent game-wrecker, even against NFL-level offensive tackles. —Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 22 May 2026

The vehicle was pulled back out of the home with the help of a wrecker. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2026

First responders arrived at the scene and observed a motor vehicle that had been involved in a head-on collision with a heavy-duty wrecker. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wrecker

• home-wrecker

Rhymes for wrecker

• checker
• chequer
• decker
• exchequer
• woodpecker

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