Definition of "tanker" in English

noun

1. (nautical) A tankship, a vessel used to transport large quantities of fluid.

2. (automotive, US) A motor truck with a tank to hold bulk liquid (with or without internal baffles).

3. (automotive, UK) A fuel tanker, petrol tanker, road tanker.

4. (aviation, usually military) An aircraft carrying a large supply of jet fuel or avgas for aerial refueling of other aircraft, plus equipment allowing the in-air transfer of fuel.

   • Without the KC-46 tankers orbiting in friendly airspace, our fighters would've run out of fuel long before reaching the combat zone.

5. (aviation, firefighting) An aircraft built or modified to carry water and/or fire retardant for dropping on wildfires.

   • While our ground teams cut firebreaks in the brush, the tankers kept the fire in the mountains at bay with frequent drops of water and retardant.

6. (rail transport) A tank car.

7. (military) Member of a tank crew, or of an armoured unit.

8. (surfing slang) A longboard.

   • I swung the tanker around just in time to take off with the lip.

verb

1. (transitive) To transport (oil, etc.) in a tanker.

2. (aviation) To carry more fuel than necessary for a flight, in order to avoid having to refuel at a destination where fuel is more expensive or in short supply.