Passenger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚶‍♂️
Add to dictionary

passenger

[ˈpæs.ɪn.dʒər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a plane

A person who is traveling in a vehicle, especially an airplane, and is not operating it.

Synonyms

commuter, rider, traveler.

Examples of usage

  • The passengers on the plane were asked to fasten their seat belts.
  • The flight attendant served drinks to the passengers.
Context #2 | Noun

on a ship

A person who is traveling in a vehicle, especially a ship, and is not part of the crew.

Synonyms

cruiser, tourist, voyager.

Examples of usage

  • The passengers enjoyed the sunset from the deck of the ship.
  • The cruise ship had luxurious cabins for the passengers.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A person who is traveling in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, or train, and is not the driver.

Synonyms

commuter, rider, traveller.

Examples of usage

  • The passengers chatted with each other during the bus ride.
  • The train conductor checked the tickets of all the passengers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Transportation History

  • The rise of railways in the 19th century significantly increased the number of passengers traveling over land.
  • Ocean liners in the early 20th century were luxurious vessels catering to passengers traveling across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The development of commercial aviation in the mid-20th century revolutionized air travel, making it accessible to more passengers worldwide.

Cultural References

  • Films like 'The Terminal' highlight the experiences of passengers stranded in airports, showcasing their personal stories and interactions.
  • The term is often used in literature as a metaphor for life's journey, where individuals are 'passengers' in their own life stories.
  • Passage of time is often depicted artistically, with passengers symbolizing transitions and changes in life.

Modern Context

  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how individuals define and interact as passengers.
  • The concept of passengers has expanded with technology, now including virtual passengers in simulations and augmented realities.
  • Passenger rights have become a significant issue, leading to regulations that protect their interests in various modes of transport.

Psychology of Travel

  • Traveling as a passenger can influence a person's mood, often providing relaxation or excitement depending on the journey.
  • Research shows that passengers have varying experiences based on their environment, company, and mode of transport, affecting their overall satisfaction.
  • The concept of 'passenger consciousness' examines how individuals experience journeys differently based on their thoughts and emotions during travel.

Origin of 'passenger'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'passenger' comes from the Old French 'passager,' meaning 'a traveler,' which itself derives from the verb 'passer,' to pass.
  • In Middle English, the term was used in the same form, referring to someone who passes through or travels.
  • The term has been in use since at least the 14th century, reflecting the importance of travel in society.

The word 'passenger' originated in the mid-14th century from the Old French word 'passager', meaning 'traveler'. It has been used to refer to individuals traveling in various modes of transportation throughout history, reflecting the evolution of human mobility and transportation systems.


See also: bypass, impassable, impasse, overpass, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passé, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,076, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.