Definition

1. Noun:
   • A railroad employee responsible for operating the brakes on a train: A brakeman is a worker on a train whose primary duty is to manage the braking systems to control the train's speed and ensure it stops safely.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The brakeman applied the brakes as the train approached the station.
  • In the early days of railroading, the brakeman had a very dangerous job, often having to climb between moving cars.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The role of the brakeman was particularly crucial and physically demanding before the widespread adoption of automatic air brakes, requiring manual operation on each car.
  • The brakeman's job evolved significantly with technological advancements in braking systems.

Variants and Related Words

• Brakesman (noun): A less common variant spelling, primarily used in British English, with the same meaning as "brakeman."
• Brake (noun/verb): The device or action for slowing or stopping motion. (e.g., / )
• Conductor (noun): A railroad employee in charge of the train and its crew, a role distinct from but working with the brakeman.

Synonyms

• Trainman: A general term for a member of a train's operating crew.
• Railroad worker / Railway worker: A broad term for anyone employed in the rail industry.

Related Phrases

• To work as a brakeman: To have the occupation of a brakeman.
  • His grandfather used to work as a brakeman on the freight lines.

Noun

1. a railroad employee responsible for a train's brakes