tanker

noun

tank·​er ˈtaŋ-kər How to pronounce tanker (audio)
1
a
: a cargo ship fitted with tanks for carrying liquid in bulk
b
: a vehicle on which a tank is mounted to carry fluids
also : a cargo airplane for transporting fuel
2
: a member of a military tank crew

Examples of tanker in a Sentence

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.
The Russian captain of a cargo ship that crashed into a U.S. fuel tanker in the North Sea, appeared in a British court where he was charged with manslaughter and gross negligence. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Russian remanded in fatal sea collision LONDON -- The Russian captain of a cargo ship that collided with a U.S. tanker last week appeared in a U.K. court Saturday where he was remanded in custody over the death of a crew member, who is missing and presumed dead. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The Stena Immaculate, which is managed by the United States logistics firm Crowley, is part of a fleet of 10 tankers involved in a US government program to supply its military with fuel. Christian Edwards, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 There are even two shipwreck sites—Empire Mica, a British steam tanker; and the Varmar, a lumber ship—to explore. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tanker

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tanker was in 1900

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tanker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tanker. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tanker

noun
tank·​er ˈtaŋ-kər How to pronounce tanker (audio)
: a vehicle (as a ship, truck, or aircraft) designed for the transportation of liquids

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