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

Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Railway officials have equipped locomotive pilots with protective gear, while armed security personnel patrol the train and guard stations along the line. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026

Noun

Dozens of people at a July 2 event in Pennsylvania centered around the world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy, were transported to local hospitals because of heat illness. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026

On land, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive is making an epic month-long journey from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with multiple stops coming up before the end of July. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 July 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