locomotive

[loh-kuh-moh-tiv]

noun

1. a self-propelled, vehicular engine, powered by steam, a diesel, or electricity, for pulling or, sometimes, pushing a train or individual railroad cars.

2. an organized group cheer, usually led by a cheerleader, as at a football or basketball game, that begins slowly and progressively increases in speed in such a way as to suggest a steam locomotive.

3. Archaic.,  any self-propelled vehicle.

adjective

1. of or relating to locomotives.

2. of, relating to, or aiding in locomotion or movement from place to place.

   the locomotive powers of most animals.

3. moving or traveling by means of its own mechanism or powers.

4. serving to produce such movement; adapted for or used in locomotion.

   locomotive organs.

5. having the power of locomotion.

   an animal that is locomotive at birth.

locomotive

/ ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv /

noun

1. 1. Also called: locomotive engine. a self-propelled engine driven by steam, electricity, or diesel power and used for drawing trains along railway tracks

   2. ( as modifier )

      a locomotive shed

      a locomotive works

adjective

1. of or relating to locomotion

2. moving or able to move, as by self-propulsion

Other Word Forms

• locomotiveness noun
• locomotively adverb
• locomotivity noun
• unlocomotive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of locomotive¹

1605–15; < Latin locō, ablative of locus place + motive (adj.); compare Medieval Latin in locō movērī to change position

Example Sentences

Demetrios is particularly fond of “Toccata for Toy Trains,” which was created in 1957 and inspired by a toy locomotive gifted to the couple by director and friend Billy Wilder.

From Los Angeles Times

And then there’s kickoff returns, where he builds up speed like a locomotive and heads to the end zone faster than putting mustard on a hot dog.

From Los Angeles Times

For the 'Putin locomotive', it's full steam ahead, with the so-called 'Special Military Operation': Russia's war in Ukraine.

From BBC

About ten times each day, giant freight trains pass along a narrow section of track along the Sacramento River in far northern California where engineers on the locomotives regularly tense up with stress.

From Los Angeles Times

The royal train consists of nine carriages, with different locomotives hired to pull them.

From BBC

Related Words

• engine