boxcar

1 of 2

noun

box·​car ˈbäks-ˌkär How to pronounce boxcar (audio)
Synonyms of boxcarnext
: a roofed freight car usually with sliding doors in the sides

boxcar

2 of 2

adjective

: very large
the judge awarded them a boxcar figure

Synonyms of boxcar

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Adjective

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Examples of boxcar in a Sentence

Adjective a boxcar pile of paper
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The young Jacob finds himself on a train boxcar with a traveling circus troupe. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 In 1943, two boxcars carrying munitions started fire. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Adjective
Dann and his father installed boxcar paneling with tongue-and-groove joints that flex when the camper is moving. — Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2021 Among many items featured is the rich discovery of a guitar that belonged to a woman who was part of a trio of singers who performed at a boxcar church. — Miguel Figueroa, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boxcar

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from the high numbers stenciled on the sides of boxcars

First Known Use

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boxcar was in 1831

Rhymes for boxcar

See All Rhymes for boxcar

Browse Nearby Words

box canyon
boxcar
box chisel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boxcar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boxcar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boxcar

noun
box·​car
ˈbäk-ˌskär
: a roofed freight car usually with sliding doors in the sides

More from Merriam-Webster on boxcar

Nglish: Translation of boxcar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boxcar

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