trailer
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for trailer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An unpowered vehicle towed behind a car or truck to carry cargo or equipment.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use trailer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From trail + -er. The film-preview sense dates back to when previews were shown after ("trailing") the main feature, rather than before it as is standard today.
Full origin of trailer →Frequently asked questions
What does “trailer” mean?
The word “trailer” means an unpowered vehicle towed behind a car or truck to carry cargo or equipment. In plain terms, a towed vehicle for hauling things, a mobile home, or a short film preview.
How do you pronounce “trailer”?
“Trailer” is pronounced TRAY-luh (/ˈtɹeɪlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “trailer” in a sentence?
Here is “trailer” used in a sentence: “He hitched the trailer to his pickup truck.”
What part of speech is “trailer”?
“Trailer” is a noun.
Is “trailer” a common word?
“Trailer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “trailer” have?
“Trailer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unpowered vehicle towed behind a car or truck to carry cargo or equipment.
What is the difference between a 'trailer' and a 'teaser'?
A trailer is a short preview of a film, show, or video game shown to build interest ahead of release. A teaser is usually a shorter, earlier version that gives just a glimpse, so a teaser hints at what is coming while a full trailer shows more.
What is the difference between a 'trailer' and a 'caravan'?
In the vehicle sense, a trailer is an unpowered vehicle towed behind a car or truck to carry cargo or equipment. A caravan is a trailer fitted out for living or sleeping in, so a caravan is a type of towed vehicle, but most trailers are for carrying loads.
Why is a film preview called a 'trailer' when it comes first?
The name 'trailer' comes from the practice of once showing these previews after the main film, so they trailed behind it. Today a trailer is shown before the feature, but the original name has stuck.
What is the difference between a trailer and an RV or camper?
A trailer in this sense is unpowered and must be towed behind another vehicle. An RV or motorhome has its own engine and drives itself, while a camper trailer is towed, which is the key difference between them.