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

In a 2018 assessment, more than 50% of DWP’s trunk line segments were more than 65 years old and 11% were more than 100 years old.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

There are about 547 miles of trunk line underground across the city and 6,780 miles of distribution pipes, or main lines, in Los Angeles.

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

In 2018, more than 50% of trunk line segments were more than 65 years old and 11% were more than 100 years old, the report states.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

Running out from this trunk line there were six cross routes, four in Lower Canada, and two in Upper Canada.

From The History of the Post Office in British North America by Sir William Smith