trestle

noun

tres·​tle ˈtre-səl 

also

ˈtrə- 

variants or less commonly tressel

1

: a braced frame serving as a support

2

: horse sense 2b

3

: a braced framework of timbers, piles, or steelwork for carrying a road or railroad over a depression

Examples of trestle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trestle and its breakwater were unsightly, but protected Michigan Avenue and its mansions from fierce lake storms. —Andrew Johnston, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2024

That something — which Ben can see, as well — turns out to be a red, horned demon that does a backflip off the elevated trestle as David approaches. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 4 July 2024

Ties and rails were laid, tunnels were cut through the mountain walls, and trestles and bridges put in. —Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 14 May 2024

Video shows part of the train trestle on the bridge collapsed while the vessel also unleashed an oil spill. —Li Cohen, CBS News, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trestel, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *trastellum, from Latin transtillum, diminutive of transtrum traverse beam, from trans across — more at through entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trestle

• trestle table

Kids Definition

trestle

noun

tres·​tle ˈtres-əl 

1

: a braced frame consisting usually of a horizontal piece with spreading legs at each end that supports something (as the top of a table)

2

: a structure of timbers or steel for carrying a road or railroad over a valley