noun

Pullman

PUUL-muhn

Pullman (noun) means a luxurious railroad passenger car, especially one with sleeping compartments, named after its manufacturer. Example: “They traveled across the country in a private Pullman car.”

noun

A luxurious railroad passenger car, especially one with sleeping compartments, named after its manufacturer.

"They traveled across the country in a private Pullman car."

"The Pullman cars were famous for their comfort and service."

How to use Pullman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe classic, comfortable style of railroad sleeping or passenger car.

Common pairings

a Pullman car Pullman train

Word forms

Pullmans plural

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They traveled across the country in a private _____ car.

Etymology

Named after the Pullman Palace Car Company, founded by American industrialist George Pullman (1831–1897).

· First attested 1831

Class of 1831 Pullman joined the language around 1831.

See the full Class of 1831 →

Rhymes for Pullman

Ullman

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Pullman” mean?

The word “Pullman” means a luxurious railroad passenger car, especially one with sleeping compartments, named after its manufacturer. In plain terms, the classic, comfortable style of railroad sleeping or passenger car.

How do you pronounce “Pullman”?

“Pullman” is pronounced PUUL-muhn (/ˈpʊlmən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Pullman” in a sentence?

Here is “Pullman” used in a sentence: “They traveled across the country in a private Pullman car.”

What part of speech is “Pullman”?

“Pullman” is a noun.

Where does the word “Pullman” come from?

The word “Pullman” dates back to around 1831. Named after the Pullman Palace Car Company, founded by American industrialist George Pullman (1831–1897).