Railroad Terminology

noun a car at the rear of a freight train, used as an office or for accommodation for the train crew

• The conductor walked through the train, making sure all passengers were safely aboard before entering the caboose.
• I love sitting in the caboose because you get the best view of the scenery as the train moves along.
• Let's sneak into the caboose and have a little party while the rest of the passengers are distracted.
• In the business world, the CEO is often seen as the 'caboose' of the company, following the lead of the board of directors.

noun a tool or instrument for measuring or indicating quantity or extent

verb to estimate or determine the magnitude, amount, or volume of something

• The engineer used a precise gauge to measure the dimensions of the metal sheet.
• Can you check the tire pressure gauge before we hit the road?
• I need to get a feel for the situation before I can gauge how to proceed.
• Her facial expressions were a gauge of her true feelings about the situation.