tram

[ tram ]

/ træm /

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noun

British. a streetcar.

a tramway; tramroad.

Also called tram·car

[tram-kahr]. /ˈtræmˌkɑr/. a truck or car on rails for carrying loads in a mine.

the vehicle or cage of an overhead carrier.

verb (used with or without object), trammed, tram·ming.

to convey or travel by tram.

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Origin of tram

First recorded in 1490–1500; Middle English tram, tram(me) “mechanical device, astronomical instrument, siege tower”); 1820–30 for def. 2; originally shafts of a barrow or cart, rails for carts (in mines); perhaps from Middle Dutch trame “beam”

OTHER WORDS FROM tram

tramless, adjective

Words nearby tram

trajectory, Trakl, tra-la, Tralee, TRALI, tram, trama, tramadol, TRAM flap, tramline, trammel

Other definitions for tram (2 of 3)

tram²

[ tram ]

/ træm /

noun

trammel (def. 3).

verb (used with object), trammed, tram·ming.

Machinery. to adjust (something) correctly.

Origin of tram

First recorded in 1880–85; short for trammel

Other definitions for tram (3 of 3)

tram³

[ tram ]

/ træm /

noun

silk that has been slightly or loosely twisted, used weftwise in weaving silk fabrics.

Compare organzine.

Origin of tram

First recorded in 1670–80; from French trame “woof, weft, tram,” from Latin trāma “warp,” from trahere “to draw, drag”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tram in a sentence

An alternative option is to leave the road itself alone, and instead string charging wires above the road that can charge trucks in much the same way urban trams are powered.
Magnetizable Concrete in Roads Could Charge Electric Cars While You Drive|Edd Gent|August 9, 2021|Singularity Hub
This is a moderate backpacking trip, but can easily be done solo—park at the Leigh Lake Trailhead and take the tram to start at the Granite Canyon trailhead.
Ten Ideal Hikes for the Solo Adventurer|syadron|July 30, 2021|Outside Online
That’s more of a sort of wireless tram, though, to be fair, compared to what’s being proposed in Indiana.
Indiana wants magnetic highways that wirelessly charge electric vehicles|Purbita Saha|July 23, 2021|Popular-Science
Be sure to book your tram ticket early if you want to soar to the top of Gateway Arch—they sell out quickly on weekends and during summer months.
The Best Hipcamp for Every National Park|Emily Pennington|May 19, 2021|Outside Online

The resort is also considering a new boot-pack route to offer skiers and riders a way to climb Lone Peak from the top of Dakota lift, bypassing the tram.
What This Ski Season Will Look Like|Megan Michelson|October 6, 2020|Outside Online
Eva and Adele, the Art Couple, were on my tram, both in high-collared baby-pink dresses.
Live From Art Basel|Anthony Haden-Guest|June 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST
By day you'll be coerced to hike "the Peak" (I like the tram, thank you) for a quiet view of Kowloon.
Gal With a Suitcase|Jolie Hunt|January 16, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Luckily, public transport (the tram) is brilliantly efficient, cost-effective, and blissfully above ground.
The Breathtaking Mosques of Istanbul|Jolie Hunt|January 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Tram cars often ran along the middle of the street, with barely room for a vehicle to pass on either side.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
Tram cars were numerous and children played everywherePg 140 with utter unconcern for the vehicles which crowded the streets.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
In London, for instance, certain tramway companies double the tram-fares on Sundays.
Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell
She walked to Merrion Gates along the tram line about four miles, when she was stopped by sentries.
The Sinn Fein rebellion As I Saw It.|Mrs. Hamilton Norway
How often I would watch some tram-car, some string of barges go from me slowly out of sight.
The New Machiavelli|Herbert George Wells

British Dictionary definitions for tram (1 of 3)

tram¹

/ (træm) /

noun

Also called: tramcar an electrically driven public transport vehicle that runs on rails let into the surface of the road, power usually being taken from an overhead wireUS and Canadian names: streetcar, trolley car

a small vehicle on rails for carrying loads in a mine; tub

Derived forms of tram

tramless, adjective

Word Origin for tram

C16 (in the sense: shaft of a cart): probably from Low German traam beam; compare Old Norse thrömr, Middle Dutch traem beam, tooth of a rake

British Dictionary definitions for tram (2 of 3)

tram²

/ (træm) /

noun

machinery a fine adjustment that ensures correct function or alignment

verb trams, tramming or trammed

(tr) to adjust (a mechanism) to a fine degree of accuracy

Word Origin for tram

C19: short for trammel

British Dictionary definitions for tram (3 of 3)

tram³

/ (træm) /

noun

(in weaving) a weft yarn of two or more twisted strands of silk

Word Origin for tram

C17: from French trame, from Latin trāma; related to Latin trāns across, trāmes footpath

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

tram

Origin of tram

OTHER WORDS FROM tram

Words nearby tram

Other definitions for tram (2 of 3)

Origin of tram

Other definitions for tram (3 of 3)

Origin of tram

Words related to tram

How to use tram in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tram (1 of 3)

Derived forms of tram

Word Origin for tram

British Dictionary definitions for tram (2 of 3)

Word Origin for tram

British Dictionary definitions for tram (3 of 3)

Word Origin for tram