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Added 9 October 2026

locomotive

/ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/ noun

Latin root: locō Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about locomotive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The power unit of a train that pulls the coaches or wagons.
A traction engine.
A cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed.

adjective

Of or relating to locomotion.
Of or relating to the power unit of a train which does not carry passengers or freight itself.
Moving, or capable of motion.

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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