locomotive

1 of 2

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv 

1

: locomotory

2

: of or relating to travel

3

: of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism

locomotive

2 of 2

noun

1

: a self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails and is used for moving railroad cars

2

: a school or college cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed

Examples of locomotive in a Sentence

Adjective

the locomotive ability of spiders

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The song picks up a locomotive rhythm, as if the only way to reflect on those scenes is with the momentum of having escaped them. — Amanda Wicks, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026

Today, coastal redwood forests are preserved, of course, but in some places, trains continue to move on down the track, helping nature and train buffs enjoy these scenic areas via locomotive. — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026

Noun

Plowden spent his career photographing small-town and rural America, from farmlands to towering grain elevators and locomotives. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Big Boy is still drawing big crowds as the world's largest operating steam locomotive begins its homeward run to cap its first-ever coast-to-coast journey. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for locomotive

• automotive
• electromotive
• emotive
• promotive
• motive
• votive

Kids Definition

locomotive

1 of 2 adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv 

1

: of or relating to locomotion

2

: of, relating to, or being a locomotive

locomotive

2 of 2 noun

: an engine that moves under its own power

especially : one that hauls cars on a railroad

Medical Definition

locomotive

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv 

: locomotor sense 1

locomotive organs include flagella, cilia, pseudopodia, and limbs