This study investigated the metaphorical images that prospective teachers in Turkey formulated to describe learners. Participants (N = 2847) completed the prompt "A student is like ... because ..." to indicate their conceptualizations of learner. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Altogether 98 well-articulated metaphorical images were identified and 12 conceptual themes were developed. Significant associations were detected between teacher trainees' gender, programme type and status in programme, and the 12 conceptual themes. Metaphors provided a cognitive lens into prospective teachers' thinking and cognition. Implications for teacher education and further research are discussed. (Contains 5 tables.)