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trainman

trainman

1 6.2
A male worker on a train who helps passengers and the conductor
  • noun
  • /ˈtreɪnˌmæn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : maquinista

Examples

  • - The Trainman.

  • A trainman waving a lantern guides an engineer who's slowly backing an empty cattle car along the tracks.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • He'd been on the railroad for 30 years, but it was a long-awaited and welcome event because almost every trainman disliked him, and secondly, it was a diversion from the grind for all of us.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The trainman assisted the passengers as they boarded the train.

  • As the train approached the station, the trainman checked the schedule to ensure everything was on time.

  • The trainman waved goodbye to the passengers as the train pulled away from the platform.

Synonyms

conductor
vstrainman
28 3.1

A person who collects fares and helps passengers on buses or trains

covers a wider operational staff role beyond only fare collection and passenger checks
railroad man
vstrainman
  • US
3 4.2

A man who works on trains or train tracks

focuses on being part of train crew and assisting passengers rather than broad railroad jobs
railroader
vstrainman
  • US
1 4.8

A person who works for a railroad, for example on trains or helping run it

is specifically a train crew role concentrating on onboard operations and passenger care
trainwoman
vstrainman
  • US
7.9

A woman who works on a train helping passengers and keeping them safe

is the male version of the same train employee role
railwayman
vstrainman
  • Archaic
4.1

A man who works for the railway, often on trains or tracks

refers specifically to staff working on trains and helping passengers
railway man
vstrainman
  • UK
3.0

A man who works for a company that runs trains

applies more narrowly to personnel based on trains who assist passengers

Surface Forms

trainman singular
trainmen plural

Morphology

trainman = train + man (transparent) = train + man

Clear compound of 'train' + 'man' meaning a man who works on or is responsible for a train; a learner knowing both components can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Trainman is simply train + man, meaning 'a man who works on a train', like fireman or postman. That's why a trainman today is an employee who helps with the train's operations and looks after passengers.