Boxcar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boxcar
[ˈbɒksˌkɑːr ]
Definition
rail transportation
A boxcar is a type of freight rail car that is enclosed and is used to transport goods. Unlike open freight cars, boxcars provide protection from weather and theft. Typically, they have sliding doors on the sides or ends to allow for easy loading and unloading. Boxcars are used for a wide variety of shipments, including packaged goods, raw materials, and automobiles. Their design allows them to be loaded easily at stations or loading docks.
Synonyms
cargo car, freight car.
Examples of usage
- The boxcar was filled with supplies for the store.
- They loaded the boxcar with fresh produce.
- The train's progress was delayed due to problems with a boxcar.
- She watched as the empty boxcar rolled into the freight yard.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Transportation
- Boxcars are vital for freight transport, allowing goods to travel across long distances efficiently.
- Different types of boxcars exist, including ventilated versions for transporting perishable items.
Pop Culture
- Boxcars have been featured in many classic movies, symbolizing adventure and travel.
- Famous songs and stories often include boxcars, portraying them as places where friends meet or wanderers find shelter.
History
- Boxcars played a crucial role in the industrial revolution, helping transport resources to build cities.
- During wartime, these cars were used to transport soldiers and supplies quickly across the country.
Art and Literature
- In art, boxcars are often depicted in landscapes, representing journey and nostalgia.
- Several novels feature boxcars as central elements, symbolizing freedom or the American spirit of exploration.
Origin of 'boxcar'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'boxcar' originated in the 19th century when goods were often shipped in wooden boxes.
- The term combines 'box,' which refers to its shape, and 'car,' indicating its function as part of a train.
The term 'boxcar' originated in the United States in the early 19th century. The word 'box' reflects the car's enclosed shape, while 'car' refers to the carriage used on railroads. Boxcars became common with the expansion of the railway system, particularly during the Civil War when there was an increased need for transporting goods across the nation. Initially, they were fashioned from wood, but as technology evolved, metal and steel became the preferred materials. The design of boxcars has gone through various modifications over the years, evolving to include features like insulation for temperature-sensitive goods and specialized loading designs. By the end of the 20th century, boxcars played a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industries, forming a backbone for freight shipping in North America.