observation car

American  

noun

1. a railroad passenger car having a lounge or platform from which the scenery can be viewed.

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observation car British  

noun

1. a railway carriage fitted with large expanses of glass to provide a good view of the scenery

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Etymology

Origin of observation car

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Now is the time to hop on board Amtrak’s long-distance California Zephyr and see the amazing snowpack from the comfort of the train’s observation car.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2024

As people filtered in and out of the observation car, we stayed planted at the table we’d been at since about 9 a.m., eagerly awaiting the final announcements.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2022

The observation car was already packed with passengers who had rushed in as soon as the conductor finished checking their tickets.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2022

Aside from the observation car, the train’s other social hub is the dining car.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2022

There is an observation car with huge plate-glass windows at the end of the train, and we will go there to-morrow when we get into the mountains.

From Round the Wonderful World by Forrest, A. S. (Archibald Stevenson)