Definition of train
1a : a connected line of railroad cars with or without a locomotiveb : an automotive tractor with one or more trailer units
2a : retinue, suiteb : a moving file of persons, vehicles, or animals
3a : an orderly succession a train of thoughtb : order of occurrence leading to some result —often used in the phrase in train this humiliating process had been in train for decades — Paul Fussellc : accompanying or resultant circumstances : aftermath consequences the discovery will bring in its train
4 : a series of moving mechanical parts (such as gears) that transmit and modify motion a gear train
5 : a part of a gown that trails behind the wearer
6 : the vehicles, personnel, and sometimes animals that furnish supply, maintenance, and evacuation services to a combat unit
7 : a series of parts or elements that together constitute a system for producing a result and especially for carrying on a process (as of manufacture) automatically
8 : a line of combustible material laid to lead fire to a charge
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of train
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from trainer to draw, drag
First Known Use: 14th century
train
Definition of train
transitive verb
1a : to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficientb : to form by instruction, discipline, or drill
2 : to make prepared (as by exercise) for a test of skill
3 : to direct the growth of (a plant) usually by bending, pruning, and tying
4 : to aim at an object or objective : direct trained his camera on the deer training every effort toward success
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo instruction, discipline, or drill
2 : to go by train
Origin and Etymology of train
Middle English, from Anglo-French trainer, from Vulgar Latin *traginare; akin to Latin trahere to draw
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of train
Examples of train in a Sentence
He was never formally trained as a chef.
I've been trained in first aid.
I'm training her to take over my job when I retire.
My boss is training me on the new equipment.
We need to train more nurses.
They are highly trained professionals.
I'm training to be a nurse.
I trained at that hospital.
He's training as a chef.
She had to train her mind to think scientifically.
Origin and Etymology of train
Middle English traine treachery, from Anglo-French, from trahir to betray, from Latin tradere — more at traitor
First Known Use: 14th century
TRAIN Defined for English Language Learners
train
Definition of train for English Language Learners
-
: to teach (someone) the skills needed to do something (such as a job) : to give instruction to (someone)
-
: to be taught the skills needed to do something (such as a job)
-
: to cause (someone or something) to develop an ability or skill
TRAIN Defined for Kids
Definition of train for Students
1 : a connected series of railway cars usually hauled by a locomotive
2 : a part of a gown that trails behind the wearer
3 : a connected series train of thought a train of events
4 : a moving line of persons, vehicles, or animals a wagon train
5 : the followers of an important person
Definition of train for Students
trained
;training
1 : to give or receive instruction, discipline, or drill
2 : to teach in an art, profession, or trade I was never formally trained as a chef.
3 : to make ready (as by exercise) for a test of skill He's training for the race.
4 : to teach (an animal) to obey
5 : to make (a plant) grow in a particular way usually by bending, trimming, or tying
6 : to aim something at a target We trained our eyes on the horizon.
trainer
nounLearn More about train
-
See words that rhyme with train Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for train Spanish Central: Translation of train Nglish: Translation of train for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of train for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about train
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up train? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!