towerman

[ tou-er-muhn ]

noun

, plural tow·er·men.

1. Railroads. a person who works in a switch tower tow and, by means of a signal box, directs the movement of trains.
2. Aviation. an air-traffic controller.

Word History and Origins

Origin of towerman¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; tower ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

“The towerman is basically our insurance policy to make sure that we get a first look at an early stage of a fire in that location,” he said.

From Washington Times

"Get out of here!" said Jack Knight, head towerman of the Great Northern Railroad, at Stanley Junction.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a lull in active duty for the veteran towerman as the noon whistles blew.

From Project Gutenberg

The old towerman disappeared down the trap ladder.

From Project Gutenberg

"Oh, my! hold me! ha! ha!" roared the veteran towerman.

From Project Gutenberg