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

See Examples For:

trolley car

“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

“I think, um, you just got hit by the trolley car, sir. You’re—” She bit her lip, but then realized there was no point in not telling him the truth.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland