railhead

[ reyl-hed ]

noun

, Railroads.

1. the farthest point to which the rails rail of a railroad have been laid.
2. the upper part of a rail, used for supporting and guiding the wheels of railroad cars.
3. a railroad depot at which supplies are unloaded to be distributed or forwarded by truck or other means.

railhead

/ ˈreɪlˌhɛd /

noun

1. a terminal of a railway
2. the farthest point reached by completed track on an unfinished railway
3. military the point at which material and personnel are transferred from rail to another conveyance
4. the upper part of a railway rail, on which the traffic wheels run

Word History and Origins

Origin of railhead¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; rail ¹ + head

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, with Railhead still many miles away, they began to become accustomed to the coming and going of strangers.

From Project Gutenberg

He told them that at Railhead were many bad pip-ple, who swore, and drank a great deal more than was good for them.

From Project Gutenberg

At El Maadan an important railhead was being constructed for the storage of water, which was kept in large and small canvas tanks.

From Project Gutenberg

Having been on a quiet front for several months the men were not used to the whir of a busy railhead.

From Project Gutenberg

The Canadian troops had had a very arduous pursuit and the railhead for supplies and ammunition was still very far to the rear.

From Project Gutenberg