1
a
: the main stem of a tree apart from limbs and roots

called also bole

b(1)
: the human or animal body apart from the head, neck, and appendages : torso
(2)
: the thorax of an insect
c
: the central part of anything
specifically : the shaft of a column or pilaster
2
a(1)
: a large rigid piece of luggage used usually for transporting clothing and personal effects
(2)
: the luggage compartment of an automobile
b(1)
: a superstructure over a ship's hatches usually level with the poop deck
(2)
: the part of the cabin of a boat projecting above the deck
(3)
: the housing for a centerboard or rudder
3
: proboscis
especially : the long muscular proboscis of the elephant
4
trunks plural : men's shorts worn chiefly for sports
swimming trunks
5
a
: a usually major channel or passage (such as a chute or shaft)
b
: a circuit between two telephone exchanges for making connections between subscribers
broadly : a usually electronic path over which information is transmitted (as between computer systems)
6
a
: the principal channel or main body of a system or part that divides into branches
a nerve trunk
the trunk of a river
trunkful noun

Examples of trunk in a Sentence

the trunk of an artery threw the rest of her books and tapes in the trunk and closed the lid
Recent Examples on the Web But there are definitely some stylistic elements borrowed from the 4, most notable being the single sweeping line that forms the shape of the roof, running from the root of the windshield, up the leading A-pillar, above the doors, and back down to the trunk. Tim Stevens, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2024 The short video showed the boy’s head peeking from the trunk, which also contained a large white object. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 Mills then fired into the car’s trunk, the documents say. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024 And treatments, such as adding nutrients to the soil, managing diseases and insects and installing flexible cables to support the tree where the trunk split would reduce its risk of breaking. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2024 The Mercedes was also recovered a few days later and clothing belonging to one of the suspects was found inside the trunk. Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Find it on Amazon An Artificial Tree to Fill that Awkward Corner This Large Floor Plant has 69 realistic leaves and a detailed trunk that looks real but doesn’t require taxing upkeep. Katiee McKinstry, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 Organizers note that participants must transport firearms in their vehicles’ trunks. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 If all the wood is stripped from this layer around the trunk, the tree will die, the university said. Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trunk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trunke Anglo-French trunc, trunke, from Latin truncus trunk, torso

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of trunk was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near trunk

Cite this Entry

“Trunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trunk. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

trunk

noun
1
a
: the main stem of a tree apart from branches or roots
b
: the body of a person or animal apart from the head, arms, and legs : torso
c
: the main or central part of something
trunk of an artery
2
a
: a box or chest for holding clothes or other articles especially for traveling
b
: the enclosed space usually in the rear of an automobile for carrying articles
3
: the long flexible muscular nose of an elephant or a related mammal (as a woolly mammoth)
4
plural : men's shorts worn chiefly for sports
swimming trunks

Medical Definition

trunk

noun
1
: the human body apart from the head and appendages : torso
2
: the main body of an anatomical part (as a nerve or blood vessel) that divides into branches

More from Merriam-Webster on trunk

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