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DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

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noun

traveler

Someone who travels.

The traveler checks her map before boarding the next train.

Etymology
travelOld Frenchto labor or toil
+erEnglisha person or thing that does something

Travel developed from toil into journeying. The agent ending names the person making such a journey.

More examples

  • Frequent travelers often pack only what they need.
  • A fellow traveler recommends a quiet place to eat.
  • As a business traveler, I spend many nights away from home.

Forms

traveler · travelers

travel verb — To go from one place to another.

Similar words

tourist
Usually travels for pleasure, especially to see interesting places.
passenger
Specifically rides in a vehicle without operating it.