pusher

American  

[poosh-er] / ˈpʊʃ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that pushes.

2. Slang. a peddler of illegal drugs.

3. Aeronautics. an airplane that is driven by pusher propellers.

4. Nautical. one of the masts abaft the mizzen on a sailing vessel having more than three masts, either the sixth or seventh from forward.

5. Railroads. a helper attached to the rear of a train, usually to provide extra power for climbing a steep grade.

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pusher British  

/ ˈpʊʃə /

noun

1. informal a person who sells illegal drugs, esp narcotics such as heroin and morphine

2. informal an actively or aggressively ambitious person

3. 1. a type of aircraft propeller placed behind the engine

   2. a type of aircraft using such a propeller

4. a person or thing that pushes

5. a rakelike implement used by small children to push food onto a spoon

6. the usual name for pushchair

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Etymology

Origin of pusher

First recorded in 1585–95; push + -er ¹

Example Sentences

As a button pusher, he makes enough to support a family of four—even though a majority of his day is spent with his feet up on the desk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In 2012, after missing three mortgage payments, she was encouraged to do a short sale by her bank, Washington Mutual, a subprime-mortgage pusher and the largest bank to fail in U.S. history.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2024

David Hughes, representing the alleged pusher, suggested Ms Watts's attention had more focused on conversations with her friends, and the boy may have stumbled instead of pushing Christopher.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2024

“They sent my son over there as a paper pusher and then had the Taliban outside providing security,” Mr. Nikoui reportedly said.

From Washington Times • Aug. 27, 2021

“He’s been out drilling in Smith County. Filling in for a tool pusher who got hurt, I think. I’ve been steering clear as much as I can.”

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez