locomotive

locomotive — noun

IPA/ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/
KK[lˌokəmˈotɪv]IPA/ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/
  • locomotivesingular
  • locomotivesplural

1. the large vehicle at the front of a train that produces power and pulls the trai

1.nounB1
Definition

the large vehicle at the front of a train that produces power and pulls the train along the railway tracks

Example

The old steam locomotive pulled slowly into the station, releasing a cloud of white smoke.

collocation: steam locomotive

A railway enthusiast named Diego photographed the locomotive as it passed through the countryside.

Common collocations
  • steam locomotive
  • diesel locomotive
  • electric locomotive
  • freight locomotive
  • locomotive engineer
  • locomotive shed
Synonyms
  • engine

    more general term; can refer to any machine that produces power, not just a railway vehicle

  • train

    refers to the whole connected set of carriages including the locomotive, not the power unit alone

Usage Note

In everyday conversation, the shorter word 'engine' is often used instead; 'locomotive' is more formal or technical.

Common Mistakes

The locomotive driver waved from the window.
The train driver waved from the window of the locomotive.
'Locomotive' refers to the machine itself, not a person who operates it.

locomotive — adjective

IPA/ˌləʊ.kəˈməʊ.tɪv/
KK[lˌokəmˈotɪv]IPA/ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.t̬ɪv/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Locomotive" specifically refers to the powered vehicle at the front of a train that pulls or pushes the carriages. "Engine" is a broader term that can mean any machine converting energy into motion — a car engine, a jet engine — and is often used informally as a synonym for locomotive in railway contexts ("the engine driver"). "Train" refers to the entire connected set of vehicles (locomotive plus carriages), not just the power unit. For example: "The locomotive pulled into the station" (just the power unit), but "The train arrived at platform 3" (the whole service, including passenger cars).

locomotive ↗engine ↗train ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • locomotive shed
  • locomotive depot
  • locomotive engineer

Prepositions

  • aboard a locomotive
  • on a locomotive
  • in front of a locomotive

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word comes from Latin 'loco' (from a place) plus 'motivus' (moving), combined to mean 'moving from its place.' It first appeared in English in the early 1800s, when steam-powered railway engines were new, and was originally short for 'locomotive engine' — an engine that could move itself rather than staying fixed in one spot.