noun
Uncommon
trooper
TROO-puh
Trooper (noun) means a soldier, especially one in a cavalry or armoured unit, or a state police officer (US). Example: “A state trooper pulled them over for speeding.”
noun
1
A soldier, especially one in a cavalry or armoured unit, or a state police officer (US).
"A state trooper pulled them over for speeding."
2
Someone who keeps going without complaint despite hardship — used especially in "real trooper."
"She finished the race with a sprained ankle — a real trooper."
How to use trooper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA soldier or police officer, or (informally) someone who copes admirably with difficulty.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "trouper," which specifically means a loyal, hardworking performer or team member.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
state trooper
real trooper
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like trooper.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- troopers
- Past tense
- troopered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A state _____ pulled them over for speeding.
Etymology
From "troop" + "-er"; the "someone who endures hardship" sense grew out of an older meaning tied to "trouper" (a member of a theatre troupe).
Synonyms
View more →
cavalryman
state trooper
Related words
Rhymes for trooper
See all rhymes for trooper →Frequently asked questions
What does “trooper” mean?
The word “trooper” means a soldier, especially one in a cavalry or armoured unit, or a state police officer (US). In plain terms, a soldier or police officer, or (informally) someone who copes admirably with difficulty.
How do you pronounce “trooper”?
“Trooper” is pronounced TROO-puh (/ˈtɹuːpə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “trooper” in a sentence?
Here is “trooper” used in a sentence: “A state trooper pulled them over for speeding.”
What part of speech is “trooper”?
“Trooper” is a noun.
Is “trooper” a common word?
“Trooper” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “trooper” have?
“Trooper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soldier, especially one in a cavalry or armoured unit, or a state police officer (US).
