Pullman

¹ American  

[pool-muhn] / ˈpʊl mən /

Trademark.

plural

Pullmans

1. a railroad sleeping car or parlor car.

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noun

plural

Pullmans

1. Also called Pullman case.  (often lowercase) a large suitcase.

2. George Mortimer, 1831–97, U.S. inventor and railroad car designer.

Pullman ² American  

[pool-muhn] / ˈpʊl mən /

noun

1. a city in SE Washington.

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Pullman ¹ British  

/ ˈpʊlmən /

noun

1. Also called: Pullman car.  a luxurious railway coach, esp a sleeping car

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Pullman ² British  

/ ˈpʃulmən /

noun

1. Philip . born 1946, British author. Writing primarily for older children, he is best known for the fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials (1997–2000)

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Etymology

Origin of Pullman

C19: named after George M. Pullman (1831–97), the US inventor who first manufactured such coaches

Example Sentences

Innovators and entrepreneurs such as Ford and George Pullman, discussed on visits to Detroit and Chicago, respectively, figure mainly as exploiters of the working class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

To maintain a meritocracy, a business must hold on to key employees, says Pullman & Comley, a law firm based in Connecticut.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

"Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value," said hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, as they kicked off the nominations with the best supporting actress category.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

The nominations will be announced by The Color Purple's Danielle Brooks, a former nominee herself, and Thunderbolts and Top Gun: Maverick star Lewis Pullman.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

But then, the night after I met Auggie Pullman, I started having nightmares again.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio