Caboose

/kəˈbuːs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A railroad car that is at the end of a freight train, typically containing the conductor's and crew's quarters.
The crew gathered in the caboose to discuss the next leg of their journey.
A car on a train that provides accommodations for the train's crew and has a platform for observing the train's progress.
As the train sped along the tracks, passengers could see the bright red caboose at the rear.
A term used informally to refer to a person or thing that is last or least important in a group.
During the team meeting, Clara felt like the caboose, as all the talk seemed to revolve around the leaders.

Etymology

Origin unknown; possibly derived from the Dutch word 'kabouse' or from the French word 'cabouse'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Caboose (figurative)
Refers to something at the back or end of something.

Related Words

locomotive
The main engine for a train.
freight
Goods transported by rail or truck.
train
A series of connected vehicles traveling on railways.

Slang Meanings

A humorous reference to the buttocks.
She joked about her caboose needing a workout.
To emphasize someone being last in a group.
Don't be a caboose on this project; we need everyone to contribute!