hopper car

American  

[hop-er kahr] / ˈhɒp ər ˌkɑr /

noun

Railroads.

1. a freight car, usually open at the top and containing one or more hoppers so that bulk cargo can be quickly discharged through its bottom.

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Etymology

Origin of hopper car

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Instead, to the confusion of prophets, railroad stocks and most others fell like a load of corncobs dumped from a hopper car.

From Time Magazine Archive

This time, he trots alongside a gray hopper car.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

She felt as small and frightened as she had in the hopper car, and she prayed they would get to Aunt Consuelo soon.

From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty

Lupita glanced back over her shoulder at the hopper car with horror!

From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty

Would one of the railroad guards climb up to the hopper car, open the turret, and shine his light down inside the car?

From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty