locomotive

[ loh-kuh-moh-tiv ]

noun

1. a self-propelled, vehicular engine, powered by steam, a diesel, or electricity, for pulling or, sometimes, pushing a train or individual railroad cars.
2. an organized group cheer, usually led by a cheerleader, as at a football or basketball game, that begins slowly and progressively increases in speed in such a way as to suggest a steam locomotive.
3. Archaic. any self-propelled vehicle.

adjective

1. of or relating to locomotives.
2. of, relating to, or aiding in locomotion or movement from place to place:

   the locomotive powers of most animals.

3. moving or traveling by means of its own mechanism or powers.
4. serving to produce such movement; adapted for or used in locomotion:

   locomotive organs.

5. having the power of locomotion:

   an animal that is locomotive at birth.

locomotive

/ ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv /

noun

1. 1. Also calledlocomotive engine a self-propelled engine driven by steam, electricity, or diesel power and used for drawing trains along railway tracks
   2. ( as modifier )

      a locomotive works

      a locomotive shed

adjective

1. of or relating to locomotion
2. moving or able to move, as by self-propulsion

Derived Forms

• ˌlocoˈmotiveness, noun
• ˌlocoˈmotively, adverb

Other Words From

• loco·motive·ly adverb
• loco·motive·ness loco·mo·tivi·ty noun
• unlo·co·motive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of locomotive¹

1605–15; < Latin locō, ablative of locus place + motive (adj.); compare Medieval Latin in locō movērī to change position

Example Sentences

In July, the EPA announced another historic $500-million federal grant to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which plans to encourage the adoption of zero-emission cargo trucks, delivery vehicles and some locomotives.

From Los Angeles Times

Historian Frank Beattie, who has lived in Kilmarnock since 1952, suggests the tradition goes back many decades and is linked to the history of the town as a centre for locomotive manufacturing and textiles.

From BBC

In May, a Tesla in FSD mode nearly hit a moving train after failing to detect the locomotive.

From Los Angeles Times

It eventually was tested at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo., and then departed Colorado for San Bernardino on June 18, aided by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotive.

From Los Angeles Times

Train emissions — about 70% of all rail yard pollution — have remained largely unchanged over the past decade, partly because the rail industry has not purchased new locomotives with cleaner engines, according to the air district.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• engine