DictionarylocoRailway engine
noun

loco

An engine that pulls or pushes railway cars.

The loco pulls several freight cars.

Etymology

Loco is a shortening of locomotive. The longer name describes an engine capable of movement, and the shortened form keeps its railway meaning.

More examples

  • Two locos waited in the yard.
  • He photographed the old loco.
  • The British rail enthusiast calls the engine a loco.

Forms

loco · locos

Similar words

locomotive
The full standard word.
engine
A broader power unit, sometimes also a locomotive.