caboose

noun

ca·​boose kə-ˈbüs 

1

: a ship's galley

2

: a freight-train car attached usually to the rear mainly for the use of the train crew

3

: one that follows or brings up the rear

4

: buttocks

Synonyms

• backside
• behind
• booty [slang]
• bootie
• bottom
• breech
• bum
• buns
• butt
• buttocks
• can
• cheeks
• derriere
• derrière
• duff
• fanny
• fundament
• hams
• haunches
• heinie [slang]
• hunkers
• keister [slang]
• keester
• nates
• posterior
• rear
• rear end
• rump
• seat
• tail
• tail end
• tush [slang]

Examples of caboose in a Sentence

I couldn't even make it down the bunny slope without ending up on my caboose

Recent Examples on the Web

Two buffer railcars provide safe spacing between the main railcar and the two locomotives powering the train, as well as a rail escort vehicle (REV) caboose that carries armed security staff for surveillance. —IEEE Spectrum, 17 July 2024

Even if Higashioka rides the caboose of the Padres’ potent batting lineup. —Jay Paris, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

See inside a 1929 dining car, a caboose, and the Flying Duchess (one of only a few British trains in the U.S.). —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2024

Here, visitors can spot an outdoor display of a Grand Canyon Railway steam locomotive and a caboose, as well as portions of the old Fray Marcos Hotel, which is one of the original Harvey Houses. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from Dutch kabuis, kombuis, from Middle Low German kabūse

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

caboose

noun

ca·​boose kə-ˈbüs 

: a car usually at the rear of a freight train for the use of the train crew and railroad workers