A locomotive is a large vehicle that pulls a railway train, or a self-propelled engine that moves by its own power. Learn more about the word origin, pronunciation, and usage of locomotive with Collins Dictionary. Learn the meaning of locomotive as a noun and an adjective, with synonyms and related words. Find out how to pronounce locomotive and see translations in different languages. Expanded Definition Locomotives are critical components of railway systems, responsible for providing the power needed to move carriages and freight cars along railway tracks. There are various types of locomotives , including steam, diesel, and electric, each utilizing different sources of energy and mechanisms to generate the required motive force. : of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism. : a self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails and is used for moving railroad cars. : a school or college cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed.
