A train is a number of carriages, cars, or trucks which are all connected together and which are pulled by an engine along a railway. Trains carry people and goods from one place to another.
The train pulled into a station.
We can catch the early morning train.
He arrived in Shenyang by train yesterday.
Synonyms: locomotive, railway train More Synonyms of train
2. countable noun
A trainof vehicles, people, or animals is a long line of them travelling slowly in the samedirection.
In the old days this used to be done with a baggage train of camels.
...a long train of oil tankers. [+ of]
Synonyms: convoy, file, rank, string More Synonyms of train
3. countable noun [usually singular]
A trainof thought or a trainof events is a connected sequence, in which each thought or event seems to occur naturally or logically as a result of the previous one.
He lost his train of thought for a moment, then recovered it. [+ of]
Giles set in motion a train of events which would culminate in tragedy. [+ of]
Synonyms: sequence, series, chain, string More Synonyms of train
4. countable noun
The train of a woman's formal dress or wedding dress is the long part at the back of it which flows along the floor behind her.
5.
See in train
6.
See in its train
More Synonyms of train
train verb uses
(treɪn)
Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense trains, present participle training, past tense, past participle trained
1. verb
If someone trains you to do something, they teach you the skills that you need in order to do it. If you trainto do something, you learn the skills that you need in order to do it.
The U.S. was ready to train its troops to participate. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
Stavros was training to be a teacher. [VERB to-infinitive]
Psychiatrists initially train as doctors. [VERB + as]
We don't train them only in bricklaying, but also in other building techniques. [VERB noun + in]
Companies tend to favour the lawyer who has trained with a good quality City firm. [VERB]
I'm a trained nurse. [VERB-ed]
Our workforce is highly trained and competitive. [VERB-ed]
[Also VERB noun]
Synonyms: study, learn, qualify, be taught More Synonyms of train
-trainedcombining form
Mr. Koutab is an American-trained lawyer.
...French-trained troops.
trainerWord forms: plural trainerscountable noun
...a book for both teachers and teacher trainers.
Synonyms: training shoe, sneaker [US], running shoe, sports shoe More Synonyms of train
2. verb
To train a natural quality or talent that someone has, for example their voice or musical ability, means to help them to develop it.
I see my degree as something which will train my mind and improve my chances of gettinga job. [VERB noun]
Some children come to school with more finely trained perceptual skills than others. [VERB-ed]
3. verb
If you trainfor a physical activity such as a race or if someone trains you for it, you prepare for it by doing particular physical exercises.
Strachan is training for the new season. [VERB + for]
He has spent a year training crews for next month's round the world race. [VERB noun + for]
Synonyms: exercise, prepare, work out, practise More Synonyms of train
trainercountable noun
She went to the gym with her trainer.
Synonyms: training shoe, sneaker [US], running shoe, sports shoe More Synonyms of train
Synonyms: coach, manager, guide, adviser More Synonyms of train
4. verb
If an animal or bird is trainedto do particular things, it is taught to do them, for example in order to be able towork for someone or to be a good pet.
Sniffer dogs could be trained to track them down. [beVERB-ed to-infinitive]
...a man who trained hundreds of dogs. [VERB noun]
She had brought her trained sheepdog to help in the rescue. [VERB-ed]
[Also VERB noun to-infinitive]
Synonyms: coach, exercise, drill, rehearse More Synonyms of train
trainercountable noun
The horse made a winning start for his new trainer.
Synonyms: training shoe, sneaker [US], running shoe, sports shoe More Synonyms of train
5. verb
If you train something such as a gun, a camera, or a light on a person or thing, you aim it at them and keep it towards them.
She trained her binoculars on the horizon. [VERB noun + on]
Police cameras had been specifically trained on that area. [VERB noun on noun]
Synonyms: aim, point, level, position More Synonyms of train
6. verb
If you train a tree, bush, or plant in a particular direction, you tie it and cut it so that it grows in that direction.
Instead of training the shoots up the fence, lay them flat in both directions alongsideit. [VERB noun preposition]
You could even put a trellis on your walls and train plants to grow up it. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
7. See also training
Phrasal verbs:
See train up
train in British English
(treɪn)
verb
1. (transitive)
to guide or teach (to do something), as by subjecting to various exercises or experiences
to train a man to fight
2. (transitive)
to control or guide towards a specific goal
to train a plant up a wall
3. (intransitive)
to do exercises and prepare for a specific purpose
the athlete trained for the Olympics
4. (transitive)
to improve or curb by subjecting to discipline
to train the mind
5. (transitive)
to focus or bring to bear (on something)
to train a telescope on the moon
noun
6.
a.
a line of coaches or wagons coupled together and drawn by a railway locomotive
b.
(as modifier)
a train ferry
7.
a sequence or series, as of events, thoughts, etc
a train of disasters
8.
a procession of people, vehicles, etc, travelling together, such as one carrying supplies of ammunition or equipment in support of a military operation
9.
a series of interacting parts through which motion is transmitted
a train of gears
10.
a fuse or line of gunpowder to an explosive charge, etc
11.
something drawn along, such as the long back section of a dress that trails along the floor behind the wearer
12.
a retinue or suite
13.
proper order or course
Derived forms
trainable (ˈtrainable)
adjective
trainless (ˈtrainless)
adjective
Word origin
C14: from Old French trahiner, from Vulgar Latin tragīnāre (unattested) to draw; related to Latin trahere to drag
train in American English
(treɪn)
noun
1.
something that hangs down and drags behind
; specif.,
a.
a part of a dress, skirt, etc. that trails
b.
the tail feathers of a bird
the train of a peacock
c.
a stream of something trailing behind
2.
a group of persons following as attendants in a procession; retinue; suite
3.
a group of persons, animals, vehicles, etc. that follow one another in a line; procession; caravan; cortege
4.
the persons, vehicles, etc. carrying supplies, ammunition, food, etc. for combat troops
5.
a series of events or conditions that follow some happening; aftermath
a war bringing famine and disease in its train
6.
any connected order or arrangement; series; sequence
a train of thought
7.
a line of gunpowder, etc. that serves as a fuse for an explosive charge
8.
a series of connected mechanical parts for transmitting motion
a train of gears
9.
a line of connected railroad cars pulled or pushed by a locomotive or locomotives
verb transitive
10. Rare
to trail or drag
11.
to guide the growth of (a plant), as by tying, pruning, etc.
12.
to subject to certain action, exercises, etc. in order to bring to a desired condition
a surgeon's hand trained to be steady
13.
to guide or control the mental, moral, etc. development of; bring up; rear
14.
to instruct so as to make proficient or qualified
to train nurses at a hospital
15.
to discipline or condition (animals) to perform tricks or obey commands
16.
to prepare or make fit for an athletic contest, etc. as by exercise, diet, etc.
17.
to aim (a gun, binoculars, etc.) at something; bring to bear
usually with on
18. Informal
to condition (a child, puppy, etc.) to defecate and urinate in the required place
verb intransitive
19.
to administer or undergo training
SIMILAR WORDS: teach
Derived forms
trainable (ˈtrainable)
adjective
Word origin
ME traine < OFr trahin < trahiner, to draw on < VL *traginare < L trahere, to pull, draw
More idioms containing
train
a gravy train
COBUILD Collocations
train
crowded train
direct train
return train
Examples of 'train' in a sentence
train
She helped to train police forces and became a counsellor of victims.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
And what you realise is how much these trains mean to people.
The Sun (2016)
The main focus is likely to centre around bringing track and train operations together.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Pursuit drivers are usually trained to back off if lives are in danger.
The Sun (2016)
The players have trained harder and longer and they got their rewards.
The Sun (2016)
There appears to be only one train a day and it leaves quite early?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Train drivers are also refusing to do overtime.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Changes may include firms training self-employed staff, holiday pay for freelancers and more flexible working hours.
The Sun (2016)
Fast trains to the City?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The bit that's a lie is that I read a book on the train on the way to work the other day.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Train firms cancelling cheap tickets are set to add to road jams.
The Sun (2008)
See moment train careered off line.
The Sun (2013)
These young people have also helped train their peers in these tech positions.
Christianity Today (2000)
We need to train young people in all aspects of the business.
The Sun (2012)
We train together so there is a huge camaraderie.
The Sun (2012)
Trains were also affected by soaring temperatures that led to tracks buckling and speed restrictions being introduced.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Could be time to get back on that train after all.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There are no guarantees but you can train racehorses longer than you can be a jockey.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Trains are already one of the most environmentally friendly transport systems.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There are two very different trains of thought.
The Sun (2009)
They have been training for this race for so long.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This is something you cannot train for.
Richard Holmes Dusty Warriors: Modern Soldiers at War (2006)
This inquiry is becoming a gravy train for lawyers.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The sighting to trains in either direction is very poor and the risk of disaster is real.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
We tagged along to train with him.
The Sun (2012)
There is also training to improve social skills.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Can you suggest a way to book the train tickets?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Forget baggage handlers and train drivers.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Can City gravy train get back on track?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Word lists with
train
parts of clothes, parts of clothing, Industrial oils
In other languages
train
British English: train /treɪn/ NOUN
A train is a long vehicle that is pulled by an engine along a railway line.
American English: train
Arabic: قِطَار
Brazilian Portuguese: trem
Chinese: 火车
Croatian: vlak
Czech: vlak
Danish: tog
Dutch: trein
European Spanish: tren
Finnish: juna
French: train
German: Zug
Greek: τρένο
Italian: treno
Japanese: 列車
Korean: 열차
Norwegian: tog
Polish: pociąg transport
European Portuguese: comboio
Romanian: tren
Russian: поезд
Latin American Spanish: tren
Swedish: tåg färdmedel
Thai: รถไฟ
Turkish: tren
Ukrainian: потяг
Vietnamese: tàu hỏa
British English: train /treɪn/ VERB
If you train to do something, you learn the skills that you need in order to do it.
He was training to be a pilot.
American English: train
Arabic: يُدرِّب
Brazilian Portuguese: treinar
Chinese: 训练
Croatian: obučavati
Czech: vyučit se
Danish: træne
Dutch: trainen
European Spanish: entrenar
Finnish: kouluttaa
French: former
German: ausbilden
Greek: προπονώ
Italian: addestrare
Japanese: 訓練する
Korean: (...을) 훈련시키다
Norwegian: lære opp
Polish: wyszkolić
European Portuguese: treinar
Romanian: a exersa
Russian: тренировать
Latin American Spanish: entrenar
Swedish: utbilda
Thai: อบรม
Turkish: eğitmek
Ukrainian: тренуватися
Vietnamese: huấn luyện
All related terms of 'train'
cat-train
a train of sleds, cabooses , etc, pulled by a caterpillar tractor , used chiefly in the north during winter to transport freight
dog train
a sleigh drawn by a team of dogs
in train
If a process or event is in train or has been set in train , it is happening or starting to happen .
sky train
an aeroplane that is towing a glider or gliders
toy train
a miniature replica of a train, esp one that children play with
train oil
oil obtained from the blubber of various marine animals, esp the whale
train set
a toy train , together with the track that it runs on, toy station , etc
train up
If someone trains you up , they teach you new skills or give you the necessary preparation so that you will reach the standard required for a particular job or activity.
way train
a train that stops at way stations
boat train
A boat train is a train that takes you to or from a port.
camel train
a series of camels tied in single file , used to transport goods or passengers
drive train
A drive train is a system including all the parts linking the engine of a vehicle to the wheels .
gear train
a system of gears that transmits power from one shaft to another
ghost train
a small train at an amusement park that travels through a dark tunnel in which sounds, lights, and mechanized objects are used to scare the people in the train
goods train
A goods train is a train that transports goods and not people.
gravy train
If an organization or person earns a lot of money without doing much work, you can say that they are on the gravy train .
house-train
to train ( pets ) to urinate and defecate outside the house or in a special place, such as a litter tray
mail train
a train that transports letters, packages , etc
milk train
a local train running through the early hours of the morning
mule train
a line of pack mules or a line of wagons drawn by mules
pack train
a train, or procession , of pack animals
potty-train
to teach a small child to use a potty or toilet
power train
a train of gears and shafting transmitting power from an engine, motor , etc., to a mechanism being driven
road train
a line of linked trailers pulled by a truck , used for transporting stock , etc
steam train
a locomotive powered by steam
train crash
a type of accident involving one or more trains
train ferry
a ship designed to carry railway vehicles
train smash
a disaster or serious setback (esp in the phrase it's not a train smash )
train wreck
an incident in which a train is severely damaged
troop train
a train used for transporting military personnel
tube train
an underground train, esp in London
valve train
A valve train is the total mechanism that causes the valves of an engine to lift and close.
wagon train
a supply train of horses and wagons , esp one going over rough terrain
wave train
a series of waves travelling in the same direction and spaced at regular intervals
baggage train
a train of wagons carrying the equipment needed by an army on the march
bullet train
a passenger train that travels at very high speed
charter train
a train that has been chartered
crowded train
A train is a number of carriages , cars, or trucks which are all connected together and which are pulled by an engine along a railway . Trains carry people and goods from one place to another.
diesel train
a train hauled by a diesel locomotive or powered by a diesel engine
direct train
A train is a number of carriages , cars , or trucks which are all connected together and which are pulled by an engine along a railway . Trains carry people and goods from one place to another.
express train
a fast train
freight train
A freight train is a train on which goods are transported.
Pullman train
a luxurious railway coach , esp a sleeping car
return train
A train is a number of carriages , cars, or trucks which are all connected together and which are pulled by an engine along a railway . Trains carry people and goods from one place to another.
subway train
a train that runs on an underground railway
tilting train
A tilting train is a type of train that can travel faster than ordinary trains because it tilts when the track curves.
toilet-train
to teach (a young child ) to control the timing of bladder and bowel movements and to use the lavatory
train journey
When you make a journey , you travel from one place to another.
train nurses
A nurse is a person whose job is to care for people who are ill .
train service
the provision of trains available to the public
Chinese translation of 'train'
train
(treɪn)
n(c)
(Rail) 火车(車) (huǒchē) (辆(輛), liàng)
[of dress]裙裾 (qúnjū)
vt
(= teach skills to) 培训(訓) (péixùn)
[dog]训(訓)练(練) (xùnliàn)
[athlete]培养(養) (péiyǎng)
(= educate)[mind]开(開)发(發) (kāifā)
[plant]给(給) ... 整枝 (gěi ... zhěngzhī)
to train sth on sb/sth[camera, hose, gun etc]把某物对(對)准(準)某人/某物 (bǎ mǒuwù duìzhǔn mǒurén/mǒuwù)