dozer
1 Americannoun
noun
noun
Usage
What does dozer mean? Dozer is commonly used as a short form of the word bulldozer, a large tractor that has a big, blade-like shovel at the front and moves around using metal tracks over wheels. They’re typically used to move earth and clear debris from an area. Less commonly, bulldozer can also mean a person who intentionally tries to intimidate others. In fact, this was its original use, first recorded in the 1870s. The verb bulldoze comes from around the same time. Today, bulldoze typically means to use a bulldozer, such as to move dirt or clear an area, or, more figuratively, to move forward or advance in an aggressive or forceful way. However, bulldoze originally meant to intimidate, such as with threats of violence. Early records of this use refer to violent attacks, especially whipping, against African Americans by white people in the Southern United States. However, the origin of these words, and how bulldozer came to be a name for a type of tractor, is ultimately unclear. Unrelatedly, dozer is also an informal word for someone who dozes—falls asleep or sleeps for a short time, especially without trying to. This use of the word dozer precedes its use in bulldozer.
Etymology
Origin of dozer1
First recorded in 1700–10; doze 1 + -er 1
Origin of dozer2
By shortening
Vocabulary lists containing dozer
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 camera also transmits the sound of the engine and the tracks, providing clues to the operator when the dozer is straining to move a heavy load or slogging through rough terrain.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
The dozer then moves in to spread that pile of trash on the ground.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
The Maria fire burned about 15 acres, and about 140 firefighters were involved in the battle, along with three helicopters and one dozer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2025
Later, after the truck driver dumped the load, a dozer driver was ready to flatten the dirt but stopped for a closer look when he, too, spotted that bit of white.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2024
Instantly the rockets cut off, drums of fuel and air and food came out of the cargo-hatch and Pop swept forward with the dozer.
From Scrimshaw by Kelly Freas
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