observation car

noun

1. a railroad passenger car having a lounge or platform from which the scenery can be viewed.

observation car

noun

1. a railway carriage fitted with large expanses of glass to provide a good view of the scenery

Word History and Origins

Origin of observation car¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Now it was time to grab a seat at an observation car table and wait for the approaching snow.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon enough the train passed through two different ski resorts and vacationers greeted us by unleashing a barrage of snowballs on the observation car.

From Los Angeles Times

Now is the time to hop on board Amtrak’s long-distance California Zephyr and see the amazing snowpack from the comfort of the train’s observation car.

From Los Angeles Times

I dropped my bag at my assigned seat and made my way to the observation car with a couple snacks and coffee in hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Now it was time to grab a seat at an observation car table and wait for the approaching snow.

From Los Angeles Times