Thomas the Tank Engine
/ˌtɒməs ðə ˈtæŋk endʒɪn/
/ˌtɑːməs ðə ˈtæŋk endʒɪn/
- the best-known character in a popular series of British children's stories about railways (1945-72) written by the Rev Wilbert Awdry and later by his son Christopher. Thomas and the other trains in the books have faces and human characteristics and can speak. The books have been made into television programmes for children.