# Pullman

/ˈpʊɫmən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pullman
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. luxury train car

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Archaic

a comfortable and expensive train car where passengers can sleep or relax during long trips.

For teachers: A high-end railroad passenger car, typically a sleeping car, designed for comfort on long-distance journeys. Often used to refer to the specific brand of cars operated by the Pullman Company.

- The wealthy travellers spent the night in a private Pullman as the train crossed the country.
- By the early twentieth century, the Pullman had become the gold standard for luxury rail travel, offering amenities that rivalled those of fine hotels.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun; often capitalized when referring to the specific company brand.

Teaching tip: This term is largely historical or literary today. In modern travel, people usually say 'sleeper car' or 'first-class carriage'.

### 2. a luxury train

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Archaic

a whole train made up of these luxury cars.

For teachers: A complete train consisting entirely or primarily of Pullman coaches.

- The morning Pullman arrived at the station exactly on time.
- The company operated a daily Pullman between London and the coast, catering exclusively to a wealthy clientele.

Usage: Commonly used in mid-20th century British English to refer to specific luxury service lines.

Teaching tip: Note that while the company was American, the term became quite common in the UK for specific luxury boat trains and expresses.

## Examples

- The travelers booked a private pullman for their journey across the country.
- During the golden age of rail, a pullman offered a level of comfort and service that rivaled the finest hotels.
- The restoration of the vintage pullman required sourcing authentic velvet upholstery and polished mahogany to replicate the opulent atmosphere of early twentieth-century luxury travel.

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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.