Definition of 'train'

Word Frequency

train in noun uses

(treɪn )

Word forms: plural trains

1. countable noun [oft by NOUN]

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 train of vehicles, people, or animals is a long line of them travelling slowly in the same direction.

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 train of thought or a train of 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.

in train

in its train

More Synonyms of train

Word Frequency

train in verb uses

(treɪn )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense 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 train to 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

-trained combining form

Mr. Koutab is an American-trained lawyer.

...French-trained troops.

trainer Word forms: plural trainers countable 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 getting a job. [VERB noun]

Some children come to school with more finely trained perceptual skills than others. [VERB-ed]

3. verb

If you train for 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

trainer countable 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 trained to do particular things, it is taught to do them, for example in order to be able to work for someone or to be a good pet.

Sniffer dogs could be trained to track them down. [be VERB-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

trainer countable 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 alongside it. [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:

train up

Video: pronunciation of 'train'

Word Frequency

train in British

(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

a line of coaches or wagons coupled together and drawn by a railway locomotive

(as modifier)

a train ferry

a sequence or series, as of events, thoughts, etc

a train of disasters

a procession of people, vehicles, etc, travelling together, such as one carrying supplies of ammunition or equipment in support of a military operation

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 of 'train'

C14: from Old French trahiner, from Vulgar Latin tragīnāre (unattested) to draw; related to Latin trahere to drag

Word Frequency

train in American

(treɪn ; trān)

noun

something that hangs down and drags behind

; specif.,

a part of a dress, skirt, etc. that trails

the tail feathers of a bird

the train of a peacock

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

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 of 'train'

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

Example sentences containing 'train'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

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

astronomy, Parts of clothing, Industrial oils, vehicle

Trends of 'train'

Very Common. train is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Translations for '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
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
Spanish: entrenar
Swedish: utbilda
Thai: อบรม
Turkish: eğitmek
Ukrainian: тренуватися
Vietnamese: huấn luyện

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Nearby words of 'train'

Related Terms of 'train'

Source

Definition of train from the Collins English Dictionary

The semicolon ( ; )

The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses. Compare: The engine roared into life. The propellers began to turn. The p...