commuter

American  

[kuh-myoo-ter] / kəˈmyu tər /

noun

1. a person who commutes, especially between home and work.

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adjective

1. of or for commuting; serving commuters.

   a commuter railroad.

2. of or relating to a flight, plane, or airline that carries passengers over relatively short distances and usually serves small communities.

commuter British  

/ kəˈmjuːtə /

noun

1. 1. a person who travels to work over an appreciable distance, usually from the suburbs to the centre of a city

   2. ( as modifier )

      the commuter belt

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Etymology

Origin of commuter

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; commute + -er ¹

Explanation

A commuter is someone who has a lengthy trip to work, usually from a suburb to a city. Some people are lucky enough to work at home or live very close to where they work. Others are commuters: commuters need to commute — travel — to work. Being a commuter isn't easy, because it might take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours to get from home to work and then back again, both times during rush hour. Usually, a commuter lives in the suburbs and commutes to the city, where many jobs are.

Example Sentences

The district reflects a mix of suburban commuter communities and is located near major military installations like Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the Naval Weapons Station in Fallbrook.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The trip is relatively straightforward and included in regular commuter fare structures.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

"This is their livelihood, they had mouths to feed, they need to live. As a commuter, I need to understand their situation as well."

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

"I think their reaction is valid given higher pump prices, but as a commuter, as a student with a limited budget, it's difficult," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

I’m pretty sure one of them is a twin-engine commuter.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

Related Words

• driver
• traveler