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welder

American  
[wel-der] / ˈwɛl dər /
Rarely weldor

noun

  1. a person who unites or fuses pieces of metal by hammering, compressing, or the like, usually after softening them by heat.

    Our machinists and welders take your metal project from 3D image to the real thing.

  2. a tool or machine used to unite or fuse pieces of metal.

    The portable spot welder is connected by a long cable so you can take it to wherever it’s needed.

  3. a person or thing that unites other people or things harmoniously.

    She’s a great welder of ideas, writing in a way that revives the best from the past and applies it to today’s issues.


Etymology

Origin of welder

First recorded in 1805–15; weld 1 ( def. ) + -er 1 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Arape, the welder, summed up the sentiment of many.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Now married to a welder, Bayer says the couple have considered moving somewhere else for an adventure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Amidou Diallo, a welder who has been fruitlessly searching for fuel for his generator, fears the shortages could lead to an increase in crime and a worsened security situation.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Festival-goers can compete for the title of best welder, crane operator or backhoe loader -- or be crowned the "Oildorado Queen."

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

He took a job as a welder at the Lockheed Air Corporation and mourned his lost Olympics.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand