brakeman

[ breyk-muhn ]

noun

, plural brake·men.

1. a railroad worker who assists the conductor in the operation of a train.
2. brake ¹( def 4 ).

brakeman

/ ˈbreɪkmən /

noun

1. a crew member of a goods or passenger train. His duties include controlling auxiliary braking power and inspecting the train
2. the person at the back of a two- or four-man bobsleigh, who operates the brake

Word History and Origins

Origin of brakeman¹

First recorded in 1825–35; brake ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

He is considered one of Great Britain's best bobsleigh brakemen, having won 15 World Cup medals - including three golds - as part of the two-man and four-man teams.

From BBC

His father, who worked as a brakeman to supplement the family income, froze to death in a local railyard when Frank was 13.

From New York Times

Mr. Andre initially found it so difficult to support himself that he worked as a freight brakeman and conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad in New Jersey.

From New York Times

The crew of the 40-car train included an engineer, a conductor, a brakeman and a conductor trainee.

From Seattle Times

Helping the four-tonne carriage to make the journey will be Martin Oates, who will be the carriage's brakeman on coronation day.

From BBC