Whyte notation

noun

A notation for classifying steam locomotives by their wheel arrangement. For example, a locomotive with two leading axles (four wheels) in front, then three driving axles (six wheels) and then one trailing axle (two wheels) is denoted 4-6-2.

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Meanings

nounWhyte notation (uncountable)
  1. uncountableA notation for classifying steam locomotives by their wheel arrangement. For example, a locomotive with two leading axles (four wheels) in front, then three driving axles (six wheels) and then one trailing axle (two wheels) is denoted 4-6-2.

Origin

Devised by Frederick Methvan Whyte; came into use at the start of the 20th century.

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Cite this entry
APA

Whyte notation. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Whyte%20notation

MLA

“Whyte notation.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Whyte%20notation. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Whyte notation,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Whyte%20notation.

Source: Whyte notation on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.