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

Meanwhile, one end of the observation car had been filled by several women in white bonnets, joined by men with straw hats, footlong beards and no mustaches.

From Los Angeles Times

I dropped my bag at my assigned seat and made my way to the observation car with a couple snacks and coffee in hand.

From Los Angeles Times

I dropped by bag at my assigned seat and made my way to the observation car with a couple snacks and coffee in hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon enough the train passed through two different ski resorts and vacationers greeted us by unleashing a barrage of snowballs on the observation car.

From Los Angeles Times

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