What does traveller mean?
A traveller is someone who makes a journey or travels regularly from one place to another. The word is broad and neutral: it may describe an ordinary passenger, a business traveller visiting another city, or someone whose lifestyle involves frequent movement. It is especially common in British English, where the double-l spelling traveller is standard, while American English usually spells it traveler. Although the word can suggest someone who travels for pleasure or frequently, it does not inherently imply adventure, restlessness, or unusual experiences. In phrases such as traveller's cheque, traveller's tale, and solo traveller, it forms part of established vocabulary. The word is useful because it names a person without specifying the purpose, destination, or mode of the journey.
nounA person who travels from one place to another, especially someone who travels regularly or for leisure.
- A person who travels from one place to another, especially someone who travels regularly or for leisure.
"The traveller rested by the roadside before continuing her journey."
"The traveller checked the timetable before boarding the train."
"Every traveller should carry identification and keep an emergency contact nearby."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"The travellers checked in at the hotel before exploring the old town."
One word, two spellings: British traveller, American traveler.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of traveller
The word entered English in the Middle English period as a borrowing from Old French traveller, whose form was connected to Latin vocabulary associated with journeying or passing through. Over time, English developed the modern noun traveller and the related base travel. British spelling retained the doubled consonant, while American English generally adopted the shorter form traveler.
How traveller is actually used
The word is neutral in register and can refer to ordinary passengers, business travellers, or people who travel frequently. British English generally uses the double-l spelling traveller, while American English usually uses traveler.
Easily confused with traveller
Traveller is the standard British spelling, while traveler is the standard American spelling; both have the same meaning.