noun
Uncommon
wheeler
WEE-luh
Wheeler (noun) means a vehicle described by its number of wheels, as in "eighteen-wheeler.". Example: “An eighteen-wheeler thundered past on the highway.”
noun
1
A vehicle described by its number of wheels, as in "eighteen-wheeler."
"An eighteen-wheeler thundered past on the highway."
"A big ten-wheeler pulled into the depot with a load of timber."
"The old pickup was a four-wheeler built for muddy tracks."
2
Someone who makes or repairs wheels; a wheelwright.
"The village wheeler mended the cart's broken spokes."
"Her grandfather was a wheeler who built wooden wheels for farm carts."
"Every market town once had a wheeler working beside the blacksmith."
How to use wheeler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly seen today in compounds naming vehicles by wheel count, like "eighteen-wheeler."
Common pairings
eighteen-wheeler
wheeler-dealer
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Word forms
- Plural
- wheelers
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An eighteen-_____ thundered past on the highway.
Etymology
From Middle English whelere, formed from "wheel" plus the agent suffix "-er."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wheeler
See all rhymes for wheeler →Frequently asked questions
What does “wheeler” mean?
The word “wheeler” means a vehicle described by its number of wheels, as in "eighteen-wheeler.". In plain terms, most commonly seen today in compounds naming vehicles by wheel count, like "eighteen-wheeler.".
How do you pronounce “wheeler”?
“Wheeler” is pronounced WEE-luh (/ˈ(h)wiː.lə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “wheeler” in a sentence?
Here is “wheeler” used in a sentence: “An eighteen-wheeler thundered past on the highway.”
What part of speech is “wheeler”?
“Wheeler” is a noun.
Where does the word “wheeler” come from?
The word “wheeler” comes from Middle English. From Middle English whelere, formed from "wheel" plus the agent suffix "-er.".
Is “wheeler” a common word?
“Wheeler” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wheeler” have?
“Wheeler” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vehicle described by its number of wheels, as in "eighteen-wheeler.".
What does wheeler mean in terms like eighteen-wheeler?
In terms like "eighteen-wheeler," wheeler refers to a vehicle described by its number of wheels, so an eighteen-wheeler is a large truck with eighteen wheels.
Does wheeler also refer to an occupation?
Yes, wheeler can also mean someone who makes or repairs wheels, essentially another term for a wheelwright.
What is the difference between a wheeler and a wheelwright?
Wheeler and wheelwright both describe someone who makes or repairs wheels, with wheelwright being the more traditional and specific occupational term historically used in this trade.
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