1
: a freight or passenger train crew member who inspects the train and assists the conductor
2
: the member of a bobsled team who operates the brake

Examples of brakeman in a Sentence

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.
In four-man bobsled, roles include a pilot, two pushers and a brakeman. Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 6 Feb. 2026 But the selection of the brakeman for the 2026 Olympic team has hit hurdles. Irene Wright, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 Tivoli’s most infamous ride is the century-old wooden rollercoaster, which still has a brakeman on board each train. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 The Conrail engineer and brakeman were found to be under the influence of drugs. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brakeman

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brakeman was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

: a member of a train crew who inspects the train and assists the conductor
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