welder

/ˈwɛldər/
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A person who joins metal by welding, the machine used for that work, and rarely a figurative force that brings separate things together.

Examples

  • The shipyard hired two new welders this week.
  • The shop bought a spot welder for sheet metal.
  • The apprentice welder practiced on scrap steel.
  • The editor was a welder of old stories and new evidence.
  • The welder overheated after hours of use.

Similar words

welding machine
spot welder
arc welder
TIG welder
fabricator
bridge-builder
uniter
welding equipment
steelworker
metalworker

Meanings

Person who welds metal

noun
trade
neutral
A worker who joins metal parts by welding, using heat, pressure, filler metal, or an electric arc.

Examples

  • The welder checked the joint before striking the arc.
  • A certified welder must follow strict safety rules.
  • The shipyard hired two new welders this week.
  • The apprentice welder practiced on scrap steel.
  • Every welder in the crew wore a helmet and gloves.
  • The senior welder taught her how to read the bead.
  • A good welder knows when the metal is too hot.

Similar words

Machine used for welding

noun
technology
neutral
A tool or machine that supplies the heat, current, gas, or pressure needed to weld materials together.

Examples

  • The portable welder runs from a generator.
  • Set the welder to the right current for thin steel.
  • The new welder has a digital display.
  • Unplug the welder before changing the wire spool.
  • A small welder is enough for this repair.
  • The shop bought a spot welder for sheet metal.
  • The welder overheated after hours of use.

Similar words

One who unites people or ideas

noun
figurative
neutral
A person or thing that brings separate people, ideas, or parts into a closer whole.

Examples

  • The editor was a welder of old stories and new evidence.
  • He became a welder of rival neighborhoods.
  • Her speech made her a welder of the coalition.
  • The book is a welder of science and memory.
  • The coach acted as a welder after the argument.
  • That rare figurative use casts the writer as a welder of ideas.
  • She was not a negotiator so much as a welder of trust.

Similar words

Etymology

From the verb weld plus -er. The worker sense is recorded from the early 1800s, and the machine or appliance sense from the late 1800s.

FAQ

What does welder mean?

welder usually means a person whose job is welding metal, but it can also mean a welding machine.

Is welder a person or a machine?

It can be either. In job contexts it is the worker, while in tool contexts it is the welding machine.

How do you pronounce welder?

welder is pronounced /ˈwɛldər/.

What is the plural of welder?

The regular plural is welders.

Is weldor the same as welder?

weldor is a less common variant sometimes used for the person, especially to keep it distinct from the machine.

Can welder be used figuratively?

Yes, but rarely. A welder of ideas or communities is someone who brings separate things together.

What is the difference between welder and weld?

welder is a noun for the person or machine, while weld is the verb or the joined place itself.

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