trolley car

American  

noun

1. a streetcar propelled electrically by current taken by means of a trolley from a conducting wire strung overhead or running beneath a slot between the tracks.

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trolley car British  

noun

1. another word for streetcar

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Etymology

Origin of trolley car

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

“What did I want to do?” she asked, as the clang of a trolley car rang from the K Street Mall below.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2024

It was used to provide electricity to the growing city, particularly powering the electric trolley car system according to the Seattle City Light website.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2023

As at many other temporary checkpoints in the capital, the trolley car damaged in the attack had been serving as a barricade, dragged into the street to slow traffic.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2022

He would call people in the party, for instance, "trolley car guys," because they followed a line.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2022

She walked with him to the trolley car.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith