hopper car

[ hop-er kahr ]

noun

, Railroads.

1. a freight car, usually open at the top and containing one or more hoppers so that bulk cargo can be quickly discharged through its bottom.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopper car¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Union Pacific railroad said in a statement that the people were found in two cars on the train traveling east from Eagle Pass bound for San Antonio: 12 in a shipping container and three in a hopper car.

From Seattle Times

Hours later, agents discovered 11 more individuals locked inside another grain hopper car in a separate train inspection.

From Fox News

Would one of the railroad guards climb up to the hopper car, open the turret, and shine his light down inside the car?

From Literature

There was a steel ladder on the side of the hopper car.

From Literature

Lupita glanced back over her shoulder at the hopper car with horror!

From Literature