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
Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
That’s where the soul of this locomotive collaboration lies.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
John Ramos, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Dedicated to providing the best rider experience and maintaining the system’s integrity, Tri-Rail has ordered seven advanced Charger diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility.
—Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for locomotive
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Adjective
Cap it all at Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum, a wonderfully oddball combination of locomotive lore and local haircuts—proving that even here, life runs on its own, distinctly Irish track.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
That’s where the soul of this locomotive collaboration lies.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
The brand-new electric locomotive will now be known as the Nancy Pelosi train.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Dedicated to providing the best rider experience and maintaining the system’s integrity, Tri-Rail has ordered seven advanced Charger diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility.
—Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 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 6 Apr. 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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