train

The definition of a train is something that hangs down and trails behind.

(noun)

An example of a train is the long fabric at the bottom of a wedding gown that trails behind on the floor.

Train is defined as a line of railroad cars attached and pulled or pushed by a locomotive.

(noun)

An example of a train is what someone would ride in while traveling Amtrak on the railroad tracks.

Train means to guide, coach or instruct.

(verb)

An example of train is a coach preparing athletes for their coming game season.

See train in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

something that hangs down and drags behind; specif.,
1. a part of a dress, skirt, etc. that trails
2. the tail feathers of a bird: the train of a peacock
3. a stream of something trailing behind
a group of persons following as attendants in a procession; retinue; suite
a group of persons, animals, vehicles, etc. that follow one another in a line; procession; caravan; cortege
the persons, vehicles, etc. carrying supplies, ammunition, food, etc. for combat troops
a series of events or conditions that follow some happening; aftermath: a war bringing famine and disease in its train
any connected order or arrangement; series; sequence: a train of thought
a line of gunpowder, etc. that serves as a fuse for an explosive charge
a series of connected mechanical parts for transmitting motion: a train of gears
a line of connected railroad cars pulled or pushed by a locomotive or locomotives

Origin: ME traine < OFr trahin < trahiner, to draw on < VL *traginare < L trahere, to pull, draw

transitive verb

Rare to trail or drag
to guide the growth of (a plant), as by tying, pruning, etc.
to subject to certain action, exercises, etc. in order to bring to a desired condition: a surgeon's hand trained to be steady
to guide or control the mental, moral, etc. development of; bring up; rear
to instruct so as to make proficient or qualified: to train nurses at a hospital
to discipline or condition (animals) to perform tricks or obey commands
to prepare or make fit for an athletic contest, etc. as by exercise, diet, etc.
to aim (a gun, binoculars, etc.) at something; bring to bear: usually with on
Informal to condition (a child, puppy, etc.) to defecate and urinate in the required place

Origin: ME trainen < OFr trahiner

intransitive verb

to administer or undergo training

Related Forms:

See train in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A series of connected railroad cars pulled or pushed by one or more locomotives.
A long line of moving people, animals, or vehicles.
The personnel, vehicles, and equipment following and providing supplies and services to a combat unit.
A part of a gown that trails behind the wearer.
A staff of people following in attendance; a retinue.
a. An orderly succession of related events or thoughts; a sequence. See Synonyms at series.
b. A series of consequences wrought by an event; aftermath.
A set of linked mechanical parts: a train of gears.
A string of gunpowder that acts as a fuse for exploding a charge.

verb trained, train·ing, trains

verb, transitive

To coach in or accustom to a mode of behavior or performance.
To make proficient with specialized instruction and practice. See Synonyms at teach.
To prepare physically, as with a regimen: train athletes for track-and-field competition.
To cause (a plant or one's hair) to take a desired course or shape, as by manipulating.
To focus on or aim at (a goal, mark, or target); direct. See Synonyms at aim.
To let drag behind; trail.

verb, intransitive