English
locomotive
Etymology

From French locomotif, from Latin locō (ablative of locus) + Vulgar Latin mōtivus (see motive).

In the rail transport sense, ellipsis of locomotive (steam) engine, attested from 1814.

Pronunciation
  • (America) IPA: /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/
  • (RP) IPA: /ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/
Noun

locomotive (plural locomotives)

  1. (rail transport) The power unit of a train that pulls the coaches or wagons.
    Hypernyms: rolling stock
  2. (rare) A traction engine.
  3. (slang) A cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed.
  4. (archaic) Any of various early road vehicles, steam-powered, etc., forerunners of the modern car.
  5. (economics) A country which drives the world economy by having a high level of imports, such as the United States.
Synonyms Translations Adjective

locomotive

  1. Of or relating to locomotion.
  2. Of or relating to the power unit of a train which does not carry passengers or freight itself.
  3. Moving, or capable of motion.
Translations

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