locomotive
gb/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/ us/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
Powered engine that pulls trains
A locomotive is the engine that pulls a train.
Usage pattern:
[a] locomotive (pulls/pushes) [a train]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use locomotive to mean the whole train; it usually means only the powered engine at the front (or sometimes the back).
Synonyms
engine (Common shorter term, especially in rail contexts (train engine).)
|
railway engine (More explicit; emphasizes that it is for trains.)
Collocations
steam locomotive
|diesel locomotive
|electric locomotive
|freight locomotive
|passenger locomotive
|railway locomotive
|locomotive engine
|a locomotive pulls a train
|a locomotive hauls freight
|restore a locomotive
Themes
transport
|travel
|engineering
Examples
- The museum restored a 1920s steam locomotive to working condition.
- A diesel locomotive pulled the freight cars through the mountain pass.
- The locomotive detached from the train at the end of the line.
Learner examples
- The locomotive is very loud.
- This locomotive pulls passenger trains.
adjective
technical
C1
property
2
Relating to locomotion or movement
Locomotive means connected with the ability to move.
Usage pattern:
locomotive [ability/function/skills/system]
Common mistake:
This adjective is not commonly used to mean “like a train”; it usually refers to movement in biology/medicine.
Synonyms
motor (More common in medical contexts (motor skills/function).)
|
movement-related (Plain-language alternative, less technical.)
Antonyms
immobile (Not able to move.)
Collocations
locomotive ability
|locomotive function
|locomotive skills
|locomotive system
|locomotive apparatus
|locomotive impairment
|locomotive development
|locomotive capacity
Themes
health
|science
Examples
- The therapist assessed the child’s locomotive skills during the session.
- The injury caused a temporary locomotive impairment in his left leg.
- The report describes changes in locomotive function after surgery.
Learner examples
- Walking is a locomotive skill.
Grammar
Dictionary form
locomotive
IPA
GB/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/
US/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/
Syllables & stress
lo - co - mot - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (mot)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: locomotive
Noun
- Base: locomotive
- Plural: locomotives
Word family
Forms
locomotives
noun
Related words
locomotion
noun C1
Expressions
diesel locomotive
1/dˈizəl lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/
fixed phrase
Locomotive powered by diesel engine
A diesel locomotive runs on diesel fuel.
Examples
- A diesel locomotive hauled the cargo across the desert.
- The line replaced its steam engines with diesel locomotives in the 1960s.
electric locomotive
1/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/
fixed phrase
Locomotive powered by electricity
An electric locomotive uses electricity to move.
Examples
- Electric locomotives are common on busy main lines.
- The electric locomotive drew power from overhead lines.
locomotive driver
1/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv dɹˈaɪvɚ/
fixed phrase
Train driver (common UK term)
A locomotive driver drives the train engine.
Examples
- The locomotive driver checked the signals before leaving the platform.
- In the early days of rail travel, locomotive drivers worked long shifts.
locomotive engineer
1/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv ˈɛnd͡ʒənˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Train driver (US term)
A locomotive engineer drives the train engine.
Examples
- She trained for two years to become a locomotive engineer.
- The locomotive engineer slowed the train as it approached the station.
locomotive works
1/lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv wˈɚks/
fixed phrase
Factory building locomotives
A locomotive works is a factory for making or repairing locomotives.
Examples
- The town grew around the locomotive works.
- Several new locomotives were assembled at the works last year.
steam locomotive
1/stˈim lˌoʊkəmˈoʊtɪv/
fixed phrase
Locomotive powered by steam
A steam locomotive uses steam to move.
Examples
- They rode behind a steam locomotive on a heritage railway.
- The old steam locomotive needs constant maintenance to stay in service.