locomotive

1 of 2

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv 

1

: locomotory

2

: of or relating to travel

3

: of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism

locomotive

2 of 2

noun

1

: a self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails and is used for moving railroad cars

2

: a school or college cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed

Examples of locomotive in a Sentence

Adjective

the locomotive ability of spiders

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The agents shared how to identify gang members – including spotting tattoos of locomotive trains or a five-point crown. —Ignacio Calderon, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Even in retirement, Hobson successfully lobbied for two Ohio regiment soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for their roles in a Civil War locomotive chase. —Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 7 Oct. 2024

Noun

Get ready to live the good life on a locomotive in Italy next year. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024

Its plan focuses on providing incentives to businesses purchasing battery-electric cargo trucks, delivery vehicles and switcher locomotives (trains that assemble and disassemble lines of rail cars). —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

locomotive

1 of 2 adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv 

1

: of or relating to locomotion

2

: of, relating to, or being a locomotive

locomotive

2 of 2 noun

: an engine that moves under its own power

especially : one that hauls cars on a railroad

Medical Definition

locomotive

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv 

: locomotor sense 1

locomotive organs include flagella, cilia, pseudopodia, and limbs