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

See Examples For:

trunk line

There are more than 40 trunk line projects in the agency’s capital improvement plan, which will be in construction from now until 2057.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

The reopening of Sunset Boulevard this week following a trunk line break that inundated West Hollywood with 17 million gallons of water hit a setback on Wednesday when crews discovered another leak.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

There are about 547 miles of trunk line underground across the city, much of which is nearing the end of its useful life and will need to be replaced in the coming years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

A section of Sunset Boulevard could continue to be closed for days as crews repair a ruptured trunk line that inundated West Hollywood with about 17 million gallons of water last week.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

It is situated seventy-five miles south of Zacatecas, on the trunk line of the Mexican Central Railroad.

From Aztec Land by Maturin Murray Ballou