trunk

noun

ˈtrəŋk

: 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

: the central part of anything

specifically : the shaft of a column or pilaster

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

: proboscis

especially : the long muscular proboscis of the elephant

trunks plural : men's shorts worn chiefly for sports

swimming trunks

: a usually major channel or passage (such as a chute or shaft)

: 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)

: the principal channel or main body of a system or part that divides into branches

a nerve trunk

the trunk of a river

: trunk line

trunkful

ˈtrənk-ˌfu̇l

noun

Example Sentences

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 The ring wraps around the trunk and is lifted by a crane up the length of the tree, cooking the weevils inside.

Matti Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Dec. 2022 The cargo area inside the trunk may not rival that of a hatchback or crossover, but the rear seats fold to expand the space back there.

Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 21 Nov. 2022 Trying to cable or tie them back to the main trunk is almost always wasted energy.

oregonlive, 20 Nov. 2022 Police cadaver dog picked up the scent of human decomposition in the car, and an air sample confirmed that there were once human remains in Casey's trunk.

Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 19 Nov. 2022 Area churches got in on the fun, including Arlington Countryside Church hosting its annual trunk-or-treat on the church grounds.

Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 18 Nov. 2022 But when Kindani’s trunk starts groping around his nose and mouth, the reporter gives up.

Allyson Chiu, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Nov. 2022 But plaque psoriasis often appears on areas like the elbows, knees, trunk, and scalp, Esther Kim, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center, tells SELF.

Beth Krietsch, SELF, 16 Nov. 2022 Toward the tailgate, there’s also an in-bed trunk that reveals another 7.3 cubic feet of storage, complete with its own drain for easy cleaning and the ability to double up as a drinks cooler.

Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 15 Nov. 2022 See More

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.