train
24 synonyms and 0 antonyms for train, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A line of connected railway carriages pulled by an engine, used to carry passengers or freight.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use train
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French train ("a drawing out, a delay"), from traïner ("to pull, to draw"), ultimately from Latin trahere, "to pull or drag" — the sense "to teach" developed later in Middle English by extension.
Full origin of train →Frequently asked questions
What does “train” mean?
The word “train” means a line of connected railway carriages pulled by an engine, used to carry passengers or freight. In plain terms, a railway vehicle, a trailing part of a dress, a connected sequence, or to teach/practise a skill.
How do you pronounce “train”?
“Train” is pronounced TRAYN (/ˈtɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “train” in a sentence?
Here is “train” used in a sentence: “We caught the early train to London.”
What part of speech is “train”?
Depending on how it is used, “train” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “train” come from?
The word “train” comes from Latin. From Old French train ("a drawing out, a delay"), from traïner ("to pull, to draw"), ultimately from Latin trahere, "to pull or drag" — the sense "to teach" developed later in Middle English by extension.
Is “train” a common word?
“Train” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “train” have?
“Train” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a line of connected railway carriages pulled by an engine, used to carry passengers or freight.
What are the main types of trains?
Trains vary by job and speed. Passenger trains carry people, from local commuter services to high-speed intercity expresses. Freight or goods trains haul cargo. Underground, metro, and tram systems run shorter urban trains, while historic steam and modern electric or diesel trains differ by what powers the engine.
What is the difference between a train and a tram?
A train runs on dedicated railway tracks, is usually longer, and travels between towns or cities. A tram is a smaller light-rail vehicle that runs mainly through city streets, often sharing roads with traffic and stopping frequently. Trains cover distance; trams handle short urban journeys.
What powers a train?
Historically trains were pulled by steam locomotives burning coal. Most modern trains run on diesel engines or on electricity drawn from overhead lines or an electrified rail. The engine, or locomotive, provides the power that pulls or pushes the connected carriages along the track.