trunk line

American  

noun

1. a major long-distance transportation line.

2. trunk.

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trunk line British  

noun

1. a direct link between two telephone exchanges or switchboards that are a considerable distance apart

2. the main route or routes on a railway

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Etymology

Origin of trunk line

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

“So the consumption of water was faster than we can provide water in a trunk line.”

From Los Angeles Times

Quiñones said four times the usual demand for water on the trunk line over a 15-hour period led to drops in water pressure.

From Los Angeles Times

Stationmasters along that part of Greece’s main trunk line communicate with each other and with train drivers via two-way radios, and the switches are operated manually.

From Washington Times

“Opening up the trunk lines and putting all that in, it’s not what people care about or want to see.”

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Water and Power has also installed more earthquake-resistant mainline and trunk line pipes in recent years, intended to keep hospitals and other critical sites operating after a quake.

From Los Angeles Times