Passenger
ˈpæsɪndʒər
Definitions
A person traveling in a car, bus, train, plane, or ship, typically not the driver or pilot.
ˈpæsɪndʒər
A person traveling in a vehicle (car, plane, train, ship, etc.) but not driving or operating it.
The train was delayed due to a technical issue, inconveniencing the passengers.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're riding in a car, train, or airplane, and someone else is driving or flying. You're a passenger! You're just along for the ride.
👶 For kids: Someone who is riding in a car, train, or airplane but isn't driving or flying it.
More Examples
The taxi driver was instructed to pick up the passengers at the airport.
The ship's manifest listed all the passengers onboard.
How It's Used
"Passengers are requested to fasten their seatbelts."
"The flight carried over 300 passengers."
Idioms & expressions
Passenger seat
The front seat of a car or other vehicle beside the driver's seat.
"She always calls shotgun to get the passenger seat."
From Middle French *passager* (masculine) or *passagere* (feminine), meaning 'one who passes or goes', from *passer* ('to pass'). Related to the word 'passage'.
The term has been in use since the mid-17th century, evolving from general usage of 'passer' to a specific role in transportation.
Memory tip
Think of someone 'passing' through on a journey.
Word Origin
"one who passes or goes"