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.
12 / 145
noun
builder
Someone who constructs buildings or creates something.
Etymology
The inherited verb names construction. The agent ending identifies the person responsible, and the meaning extends beyond houses to anything deliberately created or assembled.
Related word entries
- adulterer
- banker
- batter
- betterImprove
- betterPerson who wagers
- biker
- blabber
- blooper
- blower
- bootlegger
- bowler
- builder
- bumper
- bushwhackerBrush clearer
- bushwhackerGuerrilla fighter
- buyer
- carpetbagger
- caterer
- challenger
- clipper
- commissioner
- creeperTrailing or climbing plant
- creeperThick-soled shoe
- dealer
- driverDevice software
- driverGolf club
- driverVehicle operator
- eavesdropper
- employer
- enchanter
- fiddlerBurrowing crab
- fiddlerViolin player
- fighter
- follower
- formerPrevious role or status
- formerShaping person or device
- founder
- freezer
- grasshopper
- grinderGrinding device
- grinderLong sandwich
- grouper
- holder
- informer
- joiner
- juicer
- leaderFilm or tape strip
- leaderFishing connection
- leaderEditorial article
- linger
- listener
- locker
- lookerAttractive person
- lookerPerson who looks
- lover
- lower
- manager
- manufacturer
- marker
- merger
- molder
- necromancer
- nipperPinching or cutting tool
- nipperSmall child
- organizer
- outer
- panhandler
- parishioner
- passerSuccess in an assessment
- passerGoing past
- passerPerceived social membership
- photographer
- pisserAmusing or impressive person or thing
- pisserOne that urinates
- pisserSource of frustration
- pitcher
- playerGame participant
- playerMusician
- playerMedia playback device
- playerActor
- potterCeramics maker
- potterUnhurried activity
- prayer
- purifier
- putterGolfer making short strokes
- putterGolf club
- rapper
- reader
- reaper
- recorder
- reefer
- reporter
- ringleader
- romancer
- rover
- rubber
- runnerLong narrow piece
- runnerPlant stem
- runnerPerson running
- salver
- sampler
- sewer
- shooterPerson taking shots
- shooterSmall alcoholic drink
- shooterCamera operator
- shutter
- singer
- skitter
- slammerForceful impact
- slammerPrison
- slaver
- sleeperOvernight rail accommodation
- sleeperSleeping person or animal
- sleeperRail support
- smuggler
- sneaker
- snifter
- soothsayer
- sorcerer
- spanner
- speakerAudio device
- speakerPerson speaking
- supporter
- swagger
- tapper
- teacher
- tender
- trailer
- tranquilizer
- transducer
- traveler
- trencher
- unbeliever
- upperHigher position
- upperStimulant drug
- user
- viewer
- waiter
- wiper
- wooferLow-frequency speaker
- wooferDog
- worker
- writer
- zapperElectric disabling device
- zapperRemote control