Railworker: meaning, definitions and examples
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railworker
[ ˈreɪlˌwɜrkər ]
occupation title
A railworker is a person who is employed in the railroad industry, involved in the construction, maintenance, or operation of railroad tracks, trains, and related facilities. Railworkers play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers by rail. Jobs can vary widely, from switching trains to maintaining engines.
Synonyms
railroad worker, track laborer, train crew member
Examples of usage
- The railworker ensured the tracks were safe for the next train.
- Many railworkers are skilled technicians.
- The company hired additional railworkers to meet the growing demand for freight transport.
Etymology
The term 'railworker' combines 'rail', which refers to the rails on which trains travel, and 'worker', denoting a person engaged in a task. 'Rail' itself comes from Middle English 'raile', meaning a bar or rod, which can be traced back to Old French 'raille' or Latin 'regula', meaning a straight stick or rule. The modern railroad system began to take shape in the early 19th century, leading to formal employment and designation of workers specific to the rail industry. As rail networks expanded, the need for specialized labor grew, and thus various roles emerged such as conductors, engineers, and railworkers involved in track maintenance. The term has since been used broadly to include anyone working within this vital transportation sector.