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Synonyms

freight train

American  

noun

  1. a train of freight cars.


Etymology

Origin of freight train

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The February 2023 rail disaster in Tempi, central Greece killed 57 people, most of them young students on a passenger train that collided with a freight train in the middle of the night.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

But when a freight train stalled at a key intersection in the middle of the city, they found themselves stuck on the wrong side of the street for nearly 30 minutes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025

The explosion, which happened as a freight train was passing, caused minor damage to a wagon floor.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

I don’t want to step in front of a freight train and play mean reversion at the same time that something’s exploding.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 17, 2025

The tunnel has a high ceiling and curved walls, and it is roomy enough for a freight train, but the walls close in.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

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