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Freighters: meaning, definitions and examples

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freighters

 

[ˈfreɪtərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sea transportation

Freighters are large ships used to transport goods and cargo over long distances.

Synonyms

cargo ship, merchant vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freighters

Used to describe commercial ships that transport goods in large quantities. Suitable for technical and industry-specific discussions.

  • The port is filled with freighters carrying goods from all over the world.
  • Freighters play a crucial role in global trade.
cargo ship

Common term used to describe ships that carry cargo. Suitable for general conversations and informal contexts.

  • The cargo ship arrived at the harbor early this morning.
  • They loaded the cargo ship with containers filled with electronics.
merchant vessel

Formal term used in legal and official contexts to refer to ships engaged in commercial trade.

  • Merchant vessels must comply with international maritime laws.
  • The government provides regulations for the safe operation of merchant vessels.

Examples of usage

  • The freighter carried a shipment of cars from Japan to the United States.
  • The company owns several freighters for transporting goods across the ocean.
Context #2 | Noun

air transportation

Freighters are aircraft designed to transport cargo instead of passengers.

Synonyms

airfreight plane, cargo aircraft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freighters

Freighters refer to ships or planes that transport goods. This term is generic and widely used in both maritime and aviation contexts.

  • The company owns a fleet of freighters to ensure timely delivery of goods
  • Freighters play a crucial role in global trade
cargo aircraft

Cargo aircraft also refers to planes designed solely for cargo transport. This term is technical and often used in logistics and aviation industries.

  • The cargo aircraft departed last night with a full load of electronics
  • They needed to hire a cargo aircraft for the large shipment of industrial machinery
airfreight plane

Airfreight plane is used specifically for planes designed to carry cargo rather than passengers. This term is more specific to aviation and underscores the aspect of air transportation.

  • We had to use an airfreight plane to transport the emergency medical supplies quickly
  • The airfreight plane landed right on schedule, delivering the urgent shipment

Examples of usage

  • The freighter plane flew supplies to the remote region.
  • The airline operates a fleet of freighters for shipping goods internationally.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'freighter' comes from 'freight,' which is derived from the Old French word 'freit,' meaning 'to load' or 'cargo'.
  • It first appeared in English language texts around the early 19th century, reflecting the growth of maritime trade during that time.
  • The root word 'freight' has historical ties to the Latin term 'fractura,' which pertains to breaking, indicating the breaking or separation of goods during transport.

Science and Technology

  • Modern freighters are equipped with advanced navigation systems, helping them travel great distances safely on the open sea.
  • They come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each designed for specific types of cargo.
  • Many freighters use eco-friendly technologies, like wind-assist sails or energy-efficient engines, to reduce carbon emissions.

Global Trade

  • Freighters play a crucial role in global trade, transporting approximately 90% of the world's goods by volume.
  • They can carry everything from raw materials and machinery to consumer products, making them vital for economies around the globe.
  • The rise of e-commerce has increased the demand for faster shipping solutions, leading to innovations in freighter logistics and operations.

History

  • The use of freighters dates back to ancient civilizations when merchants employed boats to transport goods along rivers and coastlines.
  • During the 19th century, steam-powered freighters revolutionized shipping by significantly increasing transportation speed and capacity.
  • World War II saw a dramatic increase in the construction of freighters, as they were essential for transporting troops and supplies.

Pop Culture

  • Freighters often feature prominently in movies and literature, symbolizing adventure and the journey of exploration.
  • The popular video game 'Cargo Ship Simulator' allows players to experience the day-to-day operations of running a freighter.
  • In marine-themed folklore, freighters are sometimes depicted as ghost ships, adding a mysterious allure to their stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "freighters" in other languages:

🇵🇹 navios de carga

🇮🇳 मालवाहक जहाज

🇩🇪 Frachtschiffe

🇮🇩 kapal kargo

🇺🇦 вантажні судна

🇵🇱 statki towarowe

🇯🇵 貨物船

🇫🇷 navires de fret

🇪🇸 buques de carga

🇹🇷 yük gemileri

🇰🇷 화물선

🇸🇦 سفن الشحن

🇨🇿 nákladní lodě

🇸🇰 nákladné lode

🇨🇳 货船

🇸🇮 tovorne ladje

🇮🇸 flutningaskip

🇰🇿 жүк кемелерi

🇬🇪 სატვირთო გემები

🇦🇿 yük gəmiləri

🇲🇽 buques de carga

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,650, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.