noun
engineer
A person who operates an engine, especially a locomotive.
The engineer slows the train as it approaches the station.
Etymology
The occupational ending names someone associated with an engine. This sense specializes the role to operating the machine, particularly the locomotive that moves a train.
More examples
- The engineer sounds the horn before reaching the crossing.
- Two engineers take turns operating the locomotive on long trips.
- She works as an engineer on a freight train.
Forms
engineer · engineers