brakeman

noun

brake·​man ˈbrāk-mən How to pronounce brakeman (audio)
1
: a freight or passenger train crew member who inspects the train and assists the conductor
2
: the member of a bobsled team who operates the brake

Examples of brakeman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His brakeman for that event, Carsten Vissering, suffered abrasions and was unable to compete Sunday in the four-man. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026 The Conrail engineer and brakeman were found to be under the influence of drugs. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 3 Jan. 2026 The first victim has been identified as the Gloria Funicular brakeman, André Marques, according to the Sitra (Transport Workers' Union). Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 Some funiculars are driverless, but the Glória Funicular typically has a brakeman on board, who controls the streetcar’s movement. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brakeman

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brakeman was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

“Brakeman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brakeman. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

brakeman

noun
brake·​man ˈbrāk-mən How to pronounce brakeman (audio)
: a member of a train crew who inspects the train and assists the conductor
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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