caboose

noun

ca·​boose kə-ˈbüs How to pronounce caboose (audio)
1
: a ship's galley
2
: a freight-train car attached usually to the rear mainly for the use of the train crew
3
: one that follows or brings up the rear
4

Examples of caboose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dating back to 1916, the charming CSX caboose sleeps four in two bedrooms and even has its own ticket booth. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 Other updates include the addition of a century-old water tower, restoration of an antique caboose on display and renovation of an old library building. Dallas News, 9 Mar. 2022 The train bank is a vintage passenger car and a former Cotton Belt wooden caboose, still sitting on old railroad tracks, according to RoadsideAmerica.com, an online guide to offbeat tourist attractions. Stacy Ryburn, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2023 Check Out the Museums Step back in time to Frisco's past at the Frisco Heritage Museum, where exhibits include pioneer items such as a log cabin, schoolhouse, old jail, a steam locomotive and caboose, Gaby's Blacksmith Shop, the Frisco Railroad Depot, historic homes, and even a windmill. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2023 Specialty crooks went straight to the caboose of out-of-town trains. Lawrence Jackson, Harper's Magazine, 10 July 2023 Once, Shellie’s guests even rode the Lily Belle, the original caboose of the Disneyland Railroad. Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 4 Aug. 2023 On the tiny, cramped balcony of a caboose, Tabitha asked the questions that young voters were interested in. Dave Sirulnick, Variety, 16 May 2023 The hum of the caboose is persistent on the five tracks, which include the rattle of resourceful equipment: A suitcase is used as a kick drum, tin foil and paper bowls substitute for a shaker, teacups emulate a triangle. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caboose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from Dutch kabuis, kombuis, from Middle Low German kabūse

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caboose was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near caboose

Cite this Entry

“Caboose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caboose. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

caboose

noun
ca·​boose kə-ˈbüs How to pronounce caboose (audio)
: a car usually at the rear of a freight train for the use of the train crew and railroad workers

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