Definition

The last car on a freight train that is used for the crew, often containing a kitchen and sleeping areas.

Example

The train crew rested in the caboose during their break.

Conversation

Did you know the last car of a freight train is called a caboose?

Yeah, I read about that! It used to have a lot of important functions.

Exactly! It was like a little home for the train crew.

Right, they even had sleeping and cooking facilities in there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Caboose → The word 'caboose' originates from the Dutch word 'kabuis', meaning a small cabin or hut. It refers specifically to the last car on a freight train, which serves as a shelter for the crew.

Memory Tip

Think of a small 'cabin' ('kabuis') at the end of a train — that's what a caboose is, a shelter for the crew.

Visually Confused Words