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

The property was built on the site of an old steam locomotive roundhouse, and the original semi-circular stone wall runs through the new building. —Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025

The faint clanking and horn blowing of a locomotive engine grows louder and beckons Moses and his crew to step back as the train reveals itself. —Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025

Noun

The train whipped past—it’s powered by quiet diesel-electric locomotives and goes 79 miles per hour through that part of its route. —Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025

Amtrak's fleet of older diesel locomotives produces considerable planet-warming emissions. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 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