Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who operates railroad switches: A switchman is a railway worker whose primary duty is to operate the switches (also called points) that guide trains from one track to another, ensuring safe and correct routing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The switchman quickly changed the tracks to divert the freight train onto the siding.
  • Before the era of automated systems, a switchman was a crucial figure in every rail yard.

Advanced Usage

• The term is historically gender-specific ("man"), but the role in modern contexts is more accurately described by gender-neutral terms like "switch operator" or "railroad switch operator."
  • While the job title was traditionally 'switchman', the position is now officially called a 'switch operator'.

Variants and Related Words

• Switch operator (n): A gender-neutral term for a person who operates railroad switches.
• Pointsman (n, chiefly British): Another term for a person who operates railway points (switches).

Synonyms

• Railroad switch operator
• Pointsman (UK)
• Yardman (when duties include switching)

Related Phrases

• To throw a switch: The physical action of operating a railroad switch.
  • It was the switchman's job to throw the switch at the correct moment.

Noun

1. a man who operates railroad switches