## Meaning of the Word *Passenger*
A **passenger** refers to a person who travels in a vehicle, whether public or private, but is **not the driver or operator**. The term broadly applies to anyone transported from one place to another by another person or service.
### Historical Usage
Originally, the word *passenger* aligned closely with *wayfarer*, meaning a traveler journeying on foot or by any means.
### Modern Definition
In contemporary English, a *passenger* is:
- A traveler being carried in a car, train, plane, ship, or other mode of transport.
- Someone who is not in control of the vehicle.
### Example in a Sentence
> There were two passengers in the car in addition to the driver.
### Related Terms
- **Traveler** – someone who moves from place to place.
- **Commuter** – a passenger who regularly travels between home and work.
- **Rider** – commonly used for passengers on bikes, buses, or horses.
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**Author’s summary:** The word *passenger* describes a person who rides in any means of transport but doesn’t operate it, emphasizing the role of being carried rather than controlling.
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Merriam-Webster — 2025-11-26