plural trains
1
: a group of vehicles that travel on a track and are connected to each other and usually to an engine : a connected group of railroad cars
The train pulled into the station.
You can get off/on the train in Atlanta.
I took a train to Madrid.
We caught the last train.
We slept on the train.
a passenger train [=a train that people use for traveling]
a commuter train [=a train that people use to get to and from work]
an express train [=a train that has very few stops]
a subway train [=an underground train]
(US) a freight train = (Brit) a goods train [=a train carrying cargo]
We traveled by train through Europe.
—often used before another nouna train [=railroad] station
train tracks
a train schedule/signal/ticket
a train crash = (US) a train wreck
2
old-fashioned
: a group of people, vehicles, or animals that are moving in a line
a funeral train
a mule train
3
: an orderly series of events, actions, or ideas
a train of events
I lost my train of thought [=I forgot what I was thinking about] when you interrupted me.
4
technical
: a series of moving machine parts (such as gears) for controlling motion
There's a problem with the car's drive train.
the gear train
5
: a part of a long dress that trails behind the woman who is wearing it
the bride's train
trains; trained; training
1
a
: to teach (someone) the skills needed to do something (such as a job) : to give instruction to (someone)
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.
b
: to be taught the skills needed to do something (such as a job)
I'm training to be/become a nurse.
I trained at that hospital.
He's training as a chef.
2
: to cause (someone or something) to develop an ability or skill
She had to train her mind to think scientifically.
You can train yourself to relax.
A trained [=practiced] eye can detect the slightest imperfection.
Only a trained ear could hear the difference.
3
a
: to try to make yourself stronger, faster, or better at doing something before competing in an event or competition
The team trains five hours a day.
He is training for the Olympics.
b
: to help (someone) to prepare for an event or competition : to coach (an athlete)
He trained several generations of track-and-field athletes.
4
: to teach (an animal) to obey commands
She trained her dog to sit.
The police use trained dogs to sniff out drugs.
The dog was never properly trained. [=taught to obey]
5
: to make (a plant) grow in a particular direction usually by bending, cutting, or tying it
You can train this vine to climb up a wall.
6
: to aim or point (something) toward something or in a particular direction
He trained the flashlight into the hole.
We trained our eyes on the horizon. [=we looked toward the horizon]
Cite this Entry
“Train.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/train. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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