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

What Transformative Technologies Have In Common Transformative technologies like the locomotive, jet engine or helicopter are innovation catalysts that fuel future economic and societal value. —Matthew Graczyk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Among those killed was the locomotive driver, Russia’s state news agencies reported, citing medics. —Lidia Kelly, USA Today, 2 June 2025

Noun

Hop on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina, which winds through forested valleys and across the Nantahala Gorge, or ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga, where restored locomotives follow historic routes—some even offering dinner and live jazz onboard. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 1 June 2025

That unit features a locomotive engineered by Goofy, followed by Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Snow White, Dopey, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025

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