caboose

noun

ca·​boose kə-ˈbüs How to pronounce caboose (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for caboose 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caboose was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near caboose

Cite this Entry

“Caboose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caboose. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

caboose

noun
ca·​boose kə-ˈbüs How to pronounce caboose (audio)
: a car usually at the rear of a freight train for the use of the train crew and railroad workers

More from Merriam-Webster on caboose

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