Pullman

¹ American  

[pool-muhn] / ˈpʊl mən /

Trademark.

plural

Pullmans

1. a railroad sleeping car or parlor car.

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noun

plural

Pullmans

1. Also called Pullman case.  (often lowercase) a large suitcase.

2. George Mortimer, 1831–97, U.S. inventor and railroad car designer.

Pullman ² American  

[pool-muhn] / ˈpʊl mən /

noun

1. a city in SE Washington.

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Pullman ¹ British  

/ ˈpʊlmən /

noun

1. Also called: Pullman car.  a luxurious railway coach, esp a sleeping car

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Pullman ² British  

/ ˈpʃulmən /

noun

1. Philip . born 1946, British author. Writing primarily for older children, he is best known for the fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials (1997–2000)

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Etymology

Origin of Pullman

C19: named after George M. Pullman (1831–97), the US inventor who first manufactured such coaches

Example Sentences

To maintain a meritocracy, a business must hold on to key employees, says Pullman & Comley, a law firm based in Connecticut.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Bill Pullman, left, Mel Brooks and Rick Moranis on the set of “Spaceballs.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

"Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value," said hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, as they kicked off the nominations with the best supporting actress category.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

In 1894, Pullman workers struck over wage cuts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

What troubled Burnham at the moment, as he rode in his Pullman compartment, was the fact that only one of his candidates, Van Brunt of Kansas City, had replied with any enthusiasm.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson