trunk

noun

Save Word

\ ˈtrəŋk

Definition of trunk

1a : 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

2a(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

5a : 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)

6a : 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

Other Words from trunk Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about trunk

Keep scrolling for more

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 Lower branches contribute to faster thickening of the trunk, which benefits their stability. — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, "Garden Q&A: How to control Japanese knotweed and prune a dogwood," 13 Aug. 2020 This one seemed to start dying about a week ago with sap coming out of the trunk. — Neil Sperry, ExpressNews.com, "Neil Sperry: Yuccas are going to grow, so controlling the spread means cutting off stems you don’t want," 13 Aug. 2020 Your tree trunk was damaged by sunburn/ sunscald a year or more ago. — oregonlive, "Ask an expert: Tips for controlling woolly beech aphids," 9 Aug. 2020 Remove all weak and spindly growth, especially along the lower parts of the trunk. — Earl Nickel, SFChronicle.com, "How to grow a grapevine to add drama to any garden," 7 Aug. 2020 Organizers are asking people to place donations in their trunk. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, "North Coast Church to collect student backpacks, donations Saturday," 7 Aug. 2020 Waiters will take your order, bring it to the car, and place it in your trunk or back seat. — courant.com, "Community News For The Hebron Edition," 7 Aug. 2020 Staff will then place items in your trunk or back seat. — Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland, "Medina County District Library plans both virtual and in-person options," 30 July 2020 One deputy maintains cover behind a palm tree while another retrieves a rifle from the trunk of his police cruiser before approaching Liveringhouse's home. — Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, "MCSO body-camera video shows deputies kill man armed with two pistols," 10 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trunk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.