noun
- a railroad employee who operates switches to direct trains onto different tracks
Usage: railroad terminology
Examples
- The switchman threw the lever to redirect the freight train to the side track.
- Every switchman must be trained in proper safety procedures.
- The experienced switchman could operate multiple switches during busy periods.
- A switchman’s job requires constant attention to train schedules.
- The railroad hired additional switchmen for the busy holiday season.
- The switchman signaled that the track was clear for the approaching locomotive.