lo·co·mo·tive
ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv 
1
2
: of or relating to travel
3
: of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism
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
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026
The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and others, have said more substantial raises are warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 30 May 2026
In Old Sacramento State Historic Park, field-trippers visit the California State Railroad Museum to learn about how locomotives changed the West dramatically, delivering settlers and increasing transcontinental trade.
—Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for locomotive
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Adjective
The Patriot Rail’s Cowlitz County and Columbia Railway warehouse and locomotive repair shop building, where the fire originated, was a total loss.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026
The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and others, have said more substantial raises are warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
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
In Old Sacramento State Historic Park, field-trippers visit the California State Railroad Museum to learn about how locomotives changed the West dramatically, delivering settlers and increasing transcontinental trade.
—Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for locomotive
Cite this Entry
“Locomotive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotive. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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