prairie schooner

American  

noun

1. a type of covered wagon, similar to but smaller than the Conestoga wagon, used by pioneers in crossing the prairies and plains of North America.

---

prairie schooner British  

noun

1. a horse-drawn covered wagon similar to but smaller than a Conestoga wagon, used in the 19th century to cross the prairies of North America

---

Etymology

Origin of prairie schooner

First recorded in 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does prairie-schooner compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• prairie schooner vs. Conestoga wagon

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prairie schooner

The most common wagon was the prairie schooner.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2012

With fresh paint, new lumber and much of America out on the open road in the modern prairie schooner, the motor home, Tombstone was back in business, a going concern.

From Time Magazine Archive

When it arrived, it turned out to be a steam engine instead of a prairie schooner and not such an irresistable choo-choo at that.

From Time Magazine Archive

For about $800, a family of four rides a prairie schooner driven by a hired hand, with stops along the trail to investigate the Smoky Hill River or the surrounding hills.

From Time Magazine Archive

Also, the prairie schooner had a seat where the driver, or at least his family, could ride during the seemingly endless days of the journey.

From Conestoga Wagons in Braddock's Campaign, 1755 by Berkebile, Donald H.