fire truck

• firetruck

fire +‎ truck

• IPA^(key): /faɪɚ tɹʌk/

• Audio (US)

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fire truck (plural fire trucks)

1. (firefighting) A ladder truck, a vehicle used by firefighters to gain access to the upper stories of a building. Typically, a fire truck has a hydraulic system which operates a large, heavy-duty ladder mounted on top of the truck body, space for portable ladders to be stored and compartments for holding other tools that may be needed. Unlike a fire engine, trucks do not have pumps or carry water.

In Britain (though not Australia), "fire truck" is considered an Americanism. Collins English Dictionary says "in BRIT, usually use 'fire engine'." Cambridge Dictionary labels "fire truck" as "US" and defines it as "fire engine".

• fire engine
• hook and ladder, hook-n-ladder

• fire department
• fire service