-'er

Suffix

-er (noun-forming suffix, plural -ers)

1. A person or thing that does an action indicated by the root verb; used to form an agent noun.
   • read + -er → reader

   Antonyms:

   -ee

2. (informal) A person or thing to which the root verb is done or can be done satisfactorily.
   • look + -er → looker (“an attractive person”)
3. (chiefly denoting occupations) A person whose occupation is the root noun; (more broadly, occasionally with adjectives) a person characterized by the root.
   • astrology + -er → astrologer
4. (measurements or nouns denoting quantified sets) A person or thing to which a certain number or measurement applies.
   • six + -er → sixer
5. (slang) Used to form nouns shorter than more formal synonyms.
   • percent + -er → percenter (“commission agent”)
6. A person who is associated with, or supports a particular theory, doctrine, or political movement.
   • birth + -er → birther

See all 19 meanings of -er