Definition
A propeller mounted at the rear of the engine (or aircraft) so that it pushes the aircraft forward through the air, rather than pulling it. The propeller faces aft, and thrust is generated behind the engine instead of in front of it.
Plain English
A propeller placed behind the engine that pushes the aircraft forward, instead of being on the nose pulling it forward like most light aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft design descriptions, preflight discussions, and ramp safety around aircraft with rear-mounted propellers.
Derivation
Called a 'pusher' because it pushes the aircraft from behind. The opposite arrangement, where the propeller is on the nose and pulls the aircraft forward, is called a 'tractor' propeller (from Latin trahere, 'to pull').
Why Pilots Care
Changes center-of-gravity considerations, forward visibility, and propeller-strike risks on the ground.
Intuition Check
Do not assume every propeller pulls from the nose of the aircraft. In a pusher propeller setup, the propeller is positioned to push the aircraft forward from behind.
Example Sentence 1
The Cessna Skymaster has both a tractor propeller on the nose and a pusher propeller at the tail.
Example Sentence 2
Pusher propeller designs often improve forward visibility but require careful propeller clearance checks on landing.