trunk
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the main wooden stem of a tree, from which the branches grow.
the main woody axis of a tree, as distinct from the branches and roots.
Simple“The old oak tree has a very thick trunk that two people cannot wrap their arms around.”
In context“The rough bark of the trunk protects the tree's internal vascular system from extreme temperatures and physical damage.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
the long, flexible nose of an elephant.
the elongated, prehensile proboscis of an elephant, used for breathing, smelling, and grasping.
Simple“The elephant used its trunk to pick up a single peanut from the ground.”
In context“An elephant's trunk contains tens of thousands of individual muscles, allowing for both immense strength and delicate precision.”
Synonymsproboscissnout - 03 B1 Intermediate
the space at the back of a car where you put bags and luggage.
the luggage compartment of an automobile, typically located at the rear.
Simple“We managed to fit all four suitcases into the trunk of the car.”
In context“The driver popped the trunk to reveal a spare tyre and a set of emergency tools neatly tucked away.”
UsageIn British English, this part of the car is called the 'boot'.
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a large, strong box with a lid, used for storing or moving clothes and personal items.
a large, sturdy container with a hinged lid, used for long-term storage or transport of personal effects.
Simple“Grandmother kept her old wedding dress in a heavy wooden trunk in the attic.”
In context“The steamer trunk was covered in vintage travel stickers from various European ports visited during the 1920s.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
the main part of the human body, not including the head, arms, or legs.
the human body excluding the head and limbs; the torso.
Simple“The athlete has a very strong trunk, which helps him stay balanced while running.”
In context“The surgeon noted that the shrapnel had only affected the patient's limbs, leaving the vital organs in the trunk unharmed.”
- 06 B1 Intermediate
shorts that men wear for swimming.
shorts worn by men for swimming or other aquatic activities.
Simple“Don't forget to pack your swimming trunks for the beach trip.”
In context“He emerged from the pool and wrapped a towel around his waist over his wet trunks.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form: 'swimming trunks' or just 'trunks'.
From Middle English tronke, trunke, from Old French tronc (“alms box, tree trunk, headless body”), from Latin truncus (“a stock, lopped tree trunk”), from truncus (“cut off, maimed, mutilated”). For the verb, compare French tronquer, and see truncate. Doublet of truncus and tronk.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.