trunk

noun

ˈtrəŋk 

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

b

: trunk line

trunkful

ˈtrənk-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Synonyms

• bin
• box
• caddy
• case
• casket
• chest
• locker

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

In the primary bedroom, an all-monochromatic, minimalist vibe gets a bit of personality by way of an antique Louis Vuitton trunk used as a bedside table—an heirloom passed down from Danilovich’s grandparents. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 17 July 2024

The Quidditch trunk pops out into the arena with 3D goal posts and banners, and the minifigures come with holdable brooms, a trophy, and even the Golden Snitch. —Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 17 July 2024

Before Prime Day ends, get your hands on this attractive trunk set from SwissGear for 38 percent off. —Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2024

With over 600 different species, rattan is a type of climbing palm that grows up and along tree trunks in pursuit of sunlight. —Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2024

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

Phrases Containing trunk

• nerve trunk
• Saratoga trunk
• steamer trunk
• trunk call
• trunk hose
• trunk line
• trunk road

Video

Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk

Kids Definition

trunk

noun

ˈtrəŋk 

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

ˈtrəŋk 

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