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

National Rail said water had risen above the tracks between Clifton Down in Bristol and Severn Beach, meaning trains could not run on the branch line.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2024

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 line was closed as part of Dr Beeching's branch line closures.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2023

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

She walked to the branch line station at Deeside.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein