trunk

noun

ˈtrəŋk

Synonyms of trunk next

: 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 durable plastic of the trunk makes the tree more sturdy, increasing its lifespan and decreasing the likelihood of accidentally being pushed over. —

Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2023 The print is found on the swim trunks and suits made of fast-dry fabrics and on the cover-ups, bucket hats, scarves, and luxurious sleepwear collection, too. —

Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2023 Barbara opened a large black trunk that Kat kept in the living room. —

Jazmine Hughes, New York Times, 10 May 2023 Diana Duve's body was discovered in the trunk of her car parked at a Publix shopping center in June 2014. —

Michelle Miller, CBS News, 6 May 2023 The roomy Adirondack Room is most popular, with an artsy four-poster bed made of tree trunks and twigs, a fieldstone fireplace, soaking tub, and doors leading to a small, private terrace. —

Pamela Wright, BostonGlobe.com, 4 May 2023 After a single 1972 Broadway revival, the play mostly went into the trunk, overshadowed by A Raisin in the Sun. —

Lorraine Hansberry, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2023 Use high speed for felling or to buck the trunk into firewood lengths. —

Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2023 Of course, Evans slammed the trunk and locked me in there for three minutes while everyone milled about outside and had a good laugh. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Apr. 2023 See More

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.