Definition

Noun: A designated railway passenger car where smoking is permitted. This term specifically refers to a compartment or carriage on a train that is allocated for passengers who wish to smoke tobacco.

Usage

The term "smoking carriage" is used to identify and refer to the specific part of a train where smoking is allowed. It is typically found on longer-distance or older train services, as many modern rail systems have banned smoking in all carriages. - Please move to the smoking carriage if you need to light a cigarette. - The train has one smoking carriage, located at the rear.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The concept of a "smoking carriage" was more common before widespread public smoking bans. Its use highlights a historical accommodation for smokers within public transport.
• Regulatory Designation: On timetables or carriage maps, it may be officially labeled as the "smoking carriage" to inform passengers of its availability and location.

Variants and Related Words

• Smoking compartment: A synonym, often referring to a smaller, enclosed section within a carriage rather than the entire carriage.
• Non-smoking carriage: The direct opposite; a carriage where smoking is prohibited.
• Smoker (in this context): An informal shortening sometimes used, e.g., "Is this the smoker?" However, this can be ambiguous as "smoker" primarily refers to a person.

Synonyms

• Smoking car
• Smoker (informal, contextual)

Notes on Usage

• The term is a compound noun formed from "smoking" (the activity) and "carriage" (the vehicle). It functions as a single, specific unit of meaning.
• In contemporary English, this term is becoming less common and may be considered dated in regions with comprehensive public smoking bans. The more frequent modern reference would be to "non-smoking" areas or an outright ban.

Noun

1. a passenger car for passengers who wish to smoke