caboose
/kəˈbuːs/
NOUN
1. The rear car of a freight train
A railway car traditionally attached to the end of a freight train, providing accommodation and facilities for the train crew, including sleeping and cooking areas.
1.1. Railway cars and train equipment
Used to describe the final car of a freight train, historically serving as a workspace and living compartment for conductors and other crew members.
Synonyms
- guard's van
- brake van
- tail car
- rear car
Examples
- The children waved excitedly as the train passed, spotting the red caboose at the end.
- The historic steam locomotive chugged along, its red caboose standing out against the green landscape.
- Railroad enthusiasts gathered to admire the vintage caboose on display at the train museum.
- The conductor sat in the cozy caboose, keeping an eye on the train's final section.
Related Words
1.2. The last position in a procession or sequence
Used informally or figuratively to refer to the person, group, or thing occupying the final position in a line, procession, or sequence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The youngest hikers walked in the caboose of the group, making sure nobody was left behind.
- The final vehicle served as the caboose of the long parade.
- Our team brought up the caboose in the procession, following everyone else.
Related Words
NOUN
2. The buttocks
The fleshy posterior part of the human body, consisting of the two rounded areas below the waist and behind the hips.
2.1. Human anatomy and informal references
Used humorously or informally to refer to a person's buttocks, particularly in casual American English.
Synonyms
- buttocks
- butt
- behind
- backside
- bottom
- bum
- rear
- rear end
- rump
- posterior
- derriere
- seat
- fanny
- tush
- heinie
- keister
- keester
- fundament
- nates
- hams
- haunches
- cheeks
- duff
- booty
- bootie
- buns
- moon
Examples
- The child slipped on the ice and landed on his caboose.
- After sitting on the hard wooden bench for hours, she complained that her caboose was sore.
- He fell backward and landed squarely on his caboose.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A shipboard kitchen or cooking area
A small kitchen or cooking compartment aboard a vessel, traditionally used by the crew to prepare meals.
3.1. Shipboard kitchens and cooking facilities
Used to describe a compact galley or cooking area on a ship, especially in historical maritime settings.
Synonyms
Examples
- The sailors prepared their meals in the cramped caboose below deck.
- The ship's cook spent most of the morning working in the caboose.
- Fresh provisions were delivered to the caboose before the vessel departed.