Word
locomotive
Phoneticslo·co·mo·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɫoʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/
UK/lˌəʊkəmˈəʊtɪv/
Definitions
01train engine
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the powerful vehicle at the front of a train that pulls the carriages.
n. the self-propelled vehicle used for hauling railroad cars.
“The steam locomotive puffed white smoke as it pulled the heavy train up the mountain.”
“The museum features a restored Victorian locomotive, showcasing the intricate ironwork and massive pistons that once powered the transcontinental express.”
Synonyms
02economic driver
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Economics Academic · Formal
n. a country or industry that is so strong it helps the whole world's economy grow.
n. a nation or sector that acts as a primary driver of global or regional economic growth through high demand and imports.
“For many years, the United States acted as the locomotive of the global economy.”
“Economists debated whether the emerging markets could serve as a collective locomotive to pull the global financial system out of its current stagnation.”
Synonyms
03relating to movement
C1 · Advanced Science Technical · Academic
adj. relating to the ability to move from one place to another.
adj. pertaining to locomotion or the ability to move independently.
“The scientist studied the locomotive habits of deep-sea creatures.”
“The patient's locomotive functions were significantly impaired following the spinal injury, requiring intensive physical therapy to regain basic mobility.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“By the 1850s, locomotives had become more powerful, track structures stronger, traffic increased, and individual railroads longer.” Etymology
From French locomotif, from Latin locō (literally “from a place”) (ablative of locus (“place”)) + Vulgar Latin mōtivus (“moving”) (see motive). In the rail transport sense, ellipsis of locomotive (steam) engine, attested from 1814.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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