sleeping car

American  

noun

1. a railroad car fitted with berths, compartments, bedrooms, or drawing rooms for passengers to sleep in.

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sleeping car British  

noun

1. a railway car fitted with compartments containing bunks for people to sleep in

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Etymology

Origin of sleeping car

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

That said, the prospect of spending the night in a sleeping car understandably raises a number of questions.

From Washington Post • Jun. 23, 2022

We both got off the train at Grand Junction because he was moving into a sleeping car for the rest of his journey.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2021

During an interview, his eyes lit up at a mention of the sleeping car breakfast, with two Viennese bread rolls, jam and coffee.

From New York Times • Dec. 23, 2019

The plucky but foolhardy passengers are gently driven back off the tracks by a jovial sleeping car attendant.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2015

When the final section of the train pulls out, I’m crouched under a bunk in a sleeping car wedged against another man.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen