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

Koike hopes to do in 15 days what takes other manufacturers 50, charging extra for an express service like Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

California’s bullet train, now under construction in Fresno, may one day carry passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco, a distance of about 400 miles.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

But the silent engine isn’t a bullet train.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

One of Japan's busiest bullet train lines came to a halt after a snake tangled itself in a power line, causing a power outage.

From BBC • May 1, 2025

“Maybe. I don't know yet. Only takes twenty-three hours by bullet train to get to New York City. I looked it up.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton