Definition

Noun: 1. A person who operates or drives an electrically powered vehicle, especially a streetcar, tram, or subway train. This term specifically refers to the operator who controls the vehicle's movement.

Usage

The term "motorman" is used to identify the professional driver of certain types of public transit vehicles. It is a job title. * The motorman skillfully navigated the streetcar through the busy intersection. * For safety, passengers should not distract the motorman while the train is in motion.

Advanced Usage

• Historically, the term distinguished the operator of a motor-powered vehicle (like a streetcar) from other rail operators, such as an "engineer" who might drive a steam or diesel locomotive.
• In modern usage, especially in subway and metro systems, "train operator" is often a more common and gender-neutral synonym, though "motorman" is still used in some contexts and regions.

Variants and Related Words

• Motormen (n): The plural form of "motorman".
  • The union meeting was attended by all the motormen on the line.
• Train operator (n): A modern, often preferred synonym.
• Streetcar operator (n): A more specific synonym.
• Driver (n): A more general term for a person who operates a vehicle.

Synonyms

• Train operator, streetcar driver, tram driver, (subway) train driver.

Antonyms

• Passenger, conductor (the person who collects fares and manages the passenger car, distinct from the driver).

Noun

1. the operator of streetcar