Search Dictionary
Definition of kalamazoo

kalamazoo

/ˌkæl.ə.məˈzuː/
Kal · a · ma · zoo
Plural:Kalamazoos
JUMP TO:

kalamazoo Lexical Profile

• noun

1

American A city in southwestern Michigan, United States, located along the Kalamazoo River and historically known for its paper and pharmaceutical industries.

2

American A type of railway handcar or velocipede historically used by track inspectors and maintenance workers, named after the manufacturing company originally located in Kalamazoo.

Example

"The railroad workers pumped the handles of the old kalamazoo to travel down the branch line."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for kalamazoo

• Rhymes for kalamazoo

• Nearby Words

kakabeka
kakapo
kalamata
kalamazoo
kalamazoo river
kalambo
kalanchoe

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from a Potawatomi Native American word, possibly meaning 'the boiling water' (referring to the river's eddies) or 'mirage' (reflecting water).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kalamazoo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kalamazoo
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.