tanker

noun

tank·​er ˈtaŋ-kər 

1

a

: a cargo ship fitted with tanks for carrying liquid in bulk

b

: a vehicle on which a tank is mounted to carry fluids

also : a cargo airplane for transporting fuel

2

: a member of a military tank crew

Examples of tanker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No official explanation has been offered, but technical issues, bad weather, or unavailability of refueling tanker aircraft could be plausible explanations. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Separately, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, causing a fire, though the crew was reported safe. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Riyadh has brought oil exports close to prewar levels by piping crude to the Red Sea and sending tankers through Hormuz, despite Iranian threats. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

The tanker was secured and placed under the protection of Puntland authorities, according to a statement by the Puntland Maritime Police Force. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tanker

• oil tanker

Rhymes for tanker

• anchor
• anker
• banker
• canker
• hanker
• rancor
• shanker

Kids Definition

tanker

noun

tank·​er ˈtaŋ-kər 

: a vehicle (as a ship, truck, or aircraft) designed for the transportation of liquids