bullet train

American  

noun

1. a high-speed passenger train, as on certain routes in Japan.

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bullet train British  

noun

1. a passenger train that travels at very high speed

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Etymology

Origin of bullet train

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

She had just taken a two-hour ride on the bullet train from Daegu to attend Lee Sulla's "book concert" in Seoul - an evening of music and author-led readings.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Winds are slowly blowing sand into the 75-mile trench meant to hold a bullet train, while once-bustling worker camps have turned to ghost towns, one former employee said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

GPUs can do a lot more, but for many current AI loads, TPU is like a bullet train.

From Barron's • Nov. 28, 2025

Arrive at the bullet train station near the area where Ohtani grew up and you are greeted by metal wind chimes engraved with messages of support and a small glass-enclosed exhibit featuring signed memorabilia.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024

Rafik wanted to be reborn in Japan so he could ride the bullet train.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye