observation car

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noun

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

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Origin of observation car

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Words nearby observation car

observable, observance, observant, observation, observational, observation car, observation post, observatory, observe, observer, obsess

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use observation car in a sentence

The most recent issue contains detailed instructions for building car bombs, and the magazine frequently draws up hit-lists.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A Charlie Hebdo reporter said that security provision had been relaxed in the last month or so and the police car disappeared.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The offices were firebombed in 2011; no one was hurt but a permanent police car was subsequently stationed outside.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
They all immediately dashed out to their car to catch the bad guys.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Father Joel Román Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But, when the car came thundering down, it was crammed to the step; with a melancholy gesture, the driver declined her signal.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
There he gave orders for the car to be put into running condition for the following morning, and returned to the hotel.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
With Bacon, experientia does not always mean observation; and may mean either experience or experiment.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
A delightful instance of this fell under my own observation, as I was walking on Hampstead Heath.
Children's Ways|James Sully
At six o'clock I felt once more the welcome motion of a Railroad car, and at eight was in Venice.
Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley

British Dictionary definitions for observation car

observation car

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012