wheeler

noun

wheel·​er ˈ(h)wē-lər How to pronounce wheeler (audio)
1
: one that wheels
2
: a draft animal (such as a horse) pulling in the position nearest the front wheels of a wagon
3
: something (such as a vehicle or ship) that has wheels
used especially in combination
a side-wheeler
18-wheelers

Examples of wheeler 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 suspect then ran from the vehicle and attempted to car-jack an 18 wheeler, striking the driver multiple times in the head and face with a pistol. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025 The Dragonfly, however, is claimed to be the world's first mid/rear-engine front-wheel-drive three wheeler. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2024 Eighteen wheelers rumbled past at all hours, and masses of unhoused people camped down the street. Charles Bock, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024 Are they filled with dread about the prospect of a 18 wheeler AV truck with chemical cargo barreling down the highway at high speeds? Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for wheeler

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wheeler was in 1683

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wheeler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheeler. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

wheeler

noun
wheel·​er ˈhwē-lər How to pronounce wheeler (audio)
ˈwē-
: one of a team of horses that pulls from the position nearest the front wheels of a wagon

Biographical Definition

Wheeler 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Whee·​ler ˈ(h)wē-lər How to pronounce Wheeler (audio)
Joseph 1836–1906 American general

Wheeler

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

William Almon 1819–1887 American politician; vice president of the U.S. (1877–81)

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