Definition

A very large ship designed to carry oil and other liquids in large amounts.

Example

The supertanker arrived at the port to unload its cargo of crude oil.

Conversation

Did you see that huge supertanker in the harbor yesterday?

Yeah, it was massive! I couldn't believe how big it looked.

I wonder how much oil it can actually carry on one trip.

Probably enough to fill a whole city's supply for weeks!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Supertanker** → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or beyond) and "tanker" (from the word "tank" which comes from the Middle English *tanke*, meaning a container for liquids). The word "supertanker" refers to a large ship designed to carry oil or other liquids, indicating a vessel that is beyond the usual size for tankers.

Memory Tip

Think of a ship that is a 'container' ('tank') for liquids that is 'beyond' ('super-') the normal size — that's what a supertanker is.

Visually Confused Words