# streetcar

/ˈstɹitˌkɑɹ/ (US) · /stɹˈiːtkɑː/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/streetcar
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a vehicle that travels on metal tracks in the middle of city streets to carry passengers. It looks like a bus but runs on electricity from a wire above the road.

For teachers: a public transport vehicle that runs on rails embedded in the surface of urban streets, typically powered by overhead electric cables. Common in North American English; often referred to as a 'tram' in British English.

## Examples

- The streetcar stops right in front of the museum.
- Many commuters prefer taking the streetcar because it avoids the heavy traffic on the main boulevard.
- The city's historic streetcar line serves as both a functional transit route for residents and a popular attraction for tourists seeking a nostalgic view of the downtown district.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in North America; 'tram' is the standard equivalent in most other English-speaking regions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.