locomotive

1 of 2

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv How to pronounce locomotive (audio)
1
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
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.
Adjective
The company suspended service due to a possible strike by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers rail workers union, which is seeking a labor contract for the transit agency’s locomotive engineers. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 May 2025 Plus, on the second weekend of each month, the Chula Vista Live Streams provide free train rides on mini steam locomotive trains that go around the park from noon to 2:30 p.m. 4548 Sweetwater Road, Bonita. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025
Noun
The Boilermaker Special resembles a Victorian-era steam locomotive. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 The Boilermaker Special, a vehicle that resembles a Victorian-era steam locomotive, is Purdue's official mascot. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for locomotive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of locomotive was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Locomotive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotive. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

locomotive

1 of 2 adjective
lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv How to pronounce locomotive (audio)
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 How to pronounce locomotive (audio)
: locomotor sense 1
locomotive organs include flagella, cilia, pseudopodia, and limbs

More from Merriam-Webster on locomotive

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