flatcar

noun

flat·​car ˈflat-ˌkär How to pronounce flatcar (audio)
: a railroad freight car without permanent raised sides, ends, or covering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Drones could take off from the rail vehicle, pick up or deliver a package, then return to the flatcar — or a different one further along the route — for recharging or a battery swap before heading out on another delivery mission, Steinberg says. Bill Stephens, Discover Magazine, 17 May 2018 In 1896, when Westminster built a larger passenger depot, the old one was dismantled and moved by flatcar to the lower end of Church Street near the freight station and tool house. Frank Batavick, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2022 The house later toured the country on a flatcar, then was displayed at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus until 1936 when the Ohio Historical Society returned the house to its original site. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 24 Apr. 2022 There were flatcars on it that transported heavy machinery on railroad tracks. Cal Fussman, Popular Mechanics, 15 June 2016 The collection contains ordinary pieces such as cabooses and flatcars along with unique pieces such as club cars, passenger coaches, a diner and a rare domed observation car. Kelly Kazek, AL.com, 31 Jan. 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatcar was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near flatcar

Cite this Entry

“Flatcar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatcar. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

flatcar

noun
flat·​car -ˌkär How to pronounce flatcar (audio)
: a railroad freight car without sides or roof

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