online vocabulary.com

Railcar - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A railcar is a self-propelled railway vehicle designed to transport passengers or freight. It operates independently or as part of a train, often used for short-distance travel or light rail systems.

railcar

/ˈreɪlˌkɑr/ /ˈreɪlˌkɑː/

Definition:

A single vehicle on a railway, often self-propelled or part of a train.

Synonyms:

tram, trolley, coach, carriage

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

locomotive, caboose

Common Collocations:

passenger railcar, freight railcar, electric railcar, vintage railcar

Derivatives:

railcars, railcarriage

Usage Tips:

Use "railcar" to refer to a single unit of a train or a standalone railway vehicle.

Common Phrases:

on the railcar, railcar operator, railcar maintenance

Etymology:

Derived from "rail" (track) + "car" (vehicle), first used in the 19th century for railway vehicles.

Examples:

  • 1. The railcar sped through the countryside.
  • 2. We boarded the empty railcar at the station.
  • 3. The vintage railcar is now a museum exhibit.
  • 4. The freight railcar carried goods across the state.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS