trooper

[troo-per]

noun

1. a state trooper.

2. a mounted police officer; a police officer on horseback.

3. a soldier in a cavalry that uses horses.

4. null trouper a persevering, dependable person who works hard or who bravely endures adversity.

   He's a real trooper, even when the going gets tough.

5. a cavalry horse.

6. Chiefly British.,  a troopship.

trooper

/ ˈtruːpə /

noun

1. a soldier in a cavalry regiment

2. a mounted policeman

3. a state policeman

4. a cavalry horse

5. informal,  a troopship

Word History and Origins

Origin of trooper¹

First recorded in 1630–40; troop + -er ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see swear like a trooper.

Example Sentences

In late July, Missouri state troopers walked into St. Louis County government headquarters and seized the cellphone of one of the most prominent Democratic officials in this solidly red state.

From Salon

When the Dems skipped out for Oklahoma, Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick sent state troopers to politely ask them to cross back into Texas and return to work.

From Salon

Republican lawmakers voted 85 to 6 to send state troopers to arrest them and bring them back to the Capitol, a move that is largely symbolic, since the lawmakers won’t face criminal or civil charges.

From Los Angeles Times

A gunman shot and wounded a Kentucky state trooper Sunday morning, then fled and opened fire at a nearby church in Lexington, killing five people before being fatally shot by police, authorities said.

From Salon

State police said the wounded trooper was receiving medical treatment.

From BBC

Related Words

• commando 
• fighter 
• guard 
• guerrilla 
• marine 
• mercenary 
• officer 
• paratrooper 
• pilot 
• veteran 
• volunteer