locomotive

1 of 2

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​tive ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv 

1

: locomotory

2

: of or relating to travel

3

: of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism

locomotive

2 of 2

noun

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

Adjective

Gone are bald eagles, the Liberty Bell, a clipper ship, cowboys and a locomotive and steamboat. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

These have included locomotive trains or a five-point crown, the latter of which has been used for the Latin Kings gang. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

Noun

The plant makes light rail cars for local transit agencies, passenger coaches, locomotives and trainsets. —Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025

Shipping Caltrain diesel locomotives to Peru will increase the risk of cancer and respiratory lung diseases there. —Dave Cortese, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for locomotive

• automotive
• electromotive
• emotive
• promotive
• motive
• votive

Kids 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