trunk line

noun

1. a major long-distance transportation line.
2. trunk ( def 8 ).

trunk line

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of trunk line¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

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

This cavity works well to get a large duct trunk line from one level to the next.

From Seattle Times

She added that there are plans to add even more trunk lines.

From Seattle Times