lo·co·mo·tive
ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv 
1
2
: of or relating to travel
3
: of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism
1
: a self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails and is used for moving railroad cars
2
: a school or college cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed
Examples of locomotive in a Sentence
Adjective
the locomotive ability of spiders
Recent Examples on the Web
Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Olivia Young, CBS News, 13 May 2026
In October, the historic steam locomotive transforms into the Ghost Train, while Christmas lights and Santa are a major draw in November and December.
—Leigh Ann Henion, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for locomotive
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Adjective
The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Noun
The mural includes a Native American war horse, the Castle Rock (complete with star and flag), a bald eagle, and the Montezuma locomotive.
—Olivia Young, CBS News, 13 May 2026
In October, the historic steam locomotive transforms into the Ghost Train, while Christmas lights and Santa are a major draw in November and December.
—Leigh Ann Henion, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for locomotive
Cite this Entry
“Locomotive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotive. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
locomotive
1 of 2 adjective
lo·co·mo·tive
ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv
1
: of or relating to locomotion
2
: of, relating to, or being a locomotive
locomotive
2 of 2 noun
: an engine that moves under its own power
especially
: one that hauls cars on a railroad
Medical Definition
locomotive
adjective
lo·co·mo·tive
ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv
: locomotor sense 1
locomotive organs include flagella, cilia, pseudopodia, and limbs
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