: a small four-wheeled railroad car propelled by a hand-operated mechanism or by a small motor

Examples of handcar 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.
The case has rolled along at a handcar pace through four years’ worth of filings, motions, hearings, rulings and depositions of both Grant and Trump. Sean Piccoli, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024 The train's conductor chased them, first on foot and later by handcar for 87 miles, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handcar was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

“Handcar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcar. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a small railroad car powered by a hand-operated device or by a small motor
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