branch line

American  

noun

1. a rail line, directly or indirectly connected with a main line, having its own stations and service.

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branch line British  

noun

1. railways a secondary route to a place or places not served by a main line

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Etymology

Origin of branch line

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

When a branch line was built from Goshen to Visalia in 1874, people had high hopes that it would lead to prosperity for the town, but the boom never arrived.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2023

The oldest surviving timber trestle railway bridge in England, the structure at Wickham Bishops, also in Essex, comprises two adjoining viaducts and was part of the Braintree to Maldon branch line between 1848 and 1966.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2019

Built in 1897 as a seaside resort that depended on the railway, the hotel now sees its old branch line delivering customers once again.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2018

"We also suffered severe flooding on the Looe branch line."

From BBC • May 31, 2013

She walked to the branch line station at Deeside.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein