Word
caboose
Phoneticsca·boose, stress on the second syllable
US/kəˈbus/
UK/kˈæbuːs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the last car on a long freight train, where the crew used to ride and watch the train.
n. the rear car of a freight train, formerly serving as crew quarters and an observation point for monitoring brakes, loads, and track conditions.
Examples
“The red caboose rolls at the end of the train.”
“The children waved as the caboose passed the crossing at the back of the long freight train.”
“From the cupola of the caboose, the conductor once watched for overheated wheels and shifting loads along miles of dark track.”
Examples
simple
“The red caboose rolls at the end of the train.”
contextual
“The children waved as the caboose passed the crossing at the back of the long freight train.”
complex
“From the cupola of the caboose, the conductor once watched for overheated wheels and shifting loads along miles of dark track.”
Real-World Examples
“Cabooses sheltered the train crew, made switching more efficient, and played a vital role in safe operations.” “For more than a century, the caboose was a fixture at the end of every freight train in America.” “The caboose provided a shelter for the conductor and brakemen along with a heating/cooking stove, seats, and make-shift beds.” Etymology
From Dutch kabuis, kombuis (“galley, kitchen”) or German Low German Kabüüs (“galley”), from Middle Dutch cabûse and Middle Low German kabûs, kabûse respectively. Cognate with German Kabüse, Kombüse, Danish kabys, Swedish kabyss, French combuse (< Middle Dutch kabuys). Probably related to English boose (“a stall or shed”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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