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freighter

American  
[frey-ter] / ˈfreɪ tər /

noun

  1. a vessel used mainly for carrying cargo.

  2. a large aircraft or spacecraft used primarily for transporting cargo and equipment.

    The space station of the future will be supplied by robot freighters.

  3. a person whose occupation it is to receive and forward freight.

  4. a person for whom freight is transported; shipper.


freighter British  
/ ˈfreɪtə /

noun

  1. a ship or aircraft designed for transporting cargo

  2. a person concerned with the loading or chartering of a ship

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of freighter

First recorded in 1615–25; freight + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The so-called Dream Freighter is also a living being.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

His cargo airline, My Freighter, is a rising force on one of the world’s fastest-growing cargo routes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Shortages of parts, including engines, slowed output of the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 Freighter.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

The 747-8 Freighter — the 1,574th manufactured during 55 years of production — went to Atlas Air, the company said.

From Washington Times • Jan. 31, 2023

She liked ’em ‘tough,’ she said—no white-collared gents for her; and she got what she was lookin’ for when she throwed in with Freighter Sam that hauled supplies from the railroad to the ranch.

From The Fighting Shepherdess by Lockhart, Caroline

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