# caboose

/kəˈbus/ (US) · /kˈæbuːs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/caboose
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

the last car on a long freight train, where the crew used to ride and watch the train.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.