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

But Jamison ignores the call, heads to a train crossing, and stands on the tracks as a locomotive approaches. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026

That railroad now crossed the river on a modern steel-and-concrete span erected in 1901, more resistant than the previous timber bridge to damage from errant locomotive cinders and the powerful current of spring floods below. —Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026

Noun

Dickens helped restore the 85-year-old locomotive. —Noel Brennan, CBS News, 3 June 2026

The 133-foot-long locomotive is the last of the mammoth engines built to haul heavy metal during World War II. —Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 30 May 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