tow truck

American  

noun

1. wrecker.

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tow truck British  

noun

1. Also called: breakdown van.   wrecker.  a motor vehicle equipped for towing away wrecked or disabled cars

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Etymology

Origin of tow truck

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Curbside, for instance, has begun training gig workers in how to do quick vehicle fixes that don’t require a tow truck or advanced equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Then all that’s left is the long, sad ride in the cab of a tow truck.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

He was a waiter, a tow truck driver and an aide to students with special needs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

San Bernardino resident April Zavala said her car was stolen around midnight one night in March by a white tow truck.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

When Big Time reached the street a man was arguing with a policeman while a tow truck hooked up his car.

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers