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

Other offices in the building included the Internal Revenue Service; the Bureau of Animal Industry; lighthouse, locomotive and steamboat inspections; and even a department for oleomargarine, to protect the dairy industry from being undercut by the cheaper butter substitute. —John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Maciej Drygas’ documentary Trains uses archival footage to depict the history of the locomotive industry in the 20th century. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2025

Noun

Durango's Polar Express Train Ride is led by a vintage steam locomotive that travels on a heritage narrow-gauge railroad through the snowy mountains of Colorado. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2025

It can be found in the sequence depicting the birth of the locomotive. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 7 Dec. 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