# trunk

/ˈtɹəŋk/ (US) · /tɹˈʌŋk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trunk
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. tree part

noun · CEFR B1

the main wooden stem of a tree, from which the branches grow.

For teachers: the main woody axis of a tree, as distinct from the branches and roots.

- The old oak tree has a very thick trunk that two people cannot wrap their arms around.
- The rough bark of the trunk protects the tree's internal vascular system from extreme temperatures and physical damage.

### 2. elephant's nose

noun · CEFR B1

the long, flexible nose of an elephant.

For teachers: the elongated, prehensile proboscis of an elephant, used for breathing, smelling, and grasping.

- The elephant used its trunk to pick up a single peanut from the ground.
- An elephant's trunk contains tens of thousands of individual muscles, allowing for both immense strength and delicate precision.

### 3. car storage

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

the space at the back of a car where you put bags and luggage.

For teachers: the luggage compartment of an automobile, typically located at the rear.

- We managed to fit all four suitcases into the trunk of the car.
- The driver popped the trunk to reveal a spare tyre and a set of emergency tools neatly tucked away.

Usage: In British English, this part of the car is called the 'boot'.

### 4. storage chest

noun · CEFR B2

a large, strong box with a lid, used for storing or moving clothes and personal items.

For teachers: a large, sturdy container with a hinged lid, used for long-term storage or transport of personal effects.

- Grandmother kept her old wedding dress in a heavy wooden trunk in the attic.
- The steamer trunk was covered in vintage travel stickers from various European ports visited during the 1920s.

### 5. human body

noun · CEFR B2

the main part of the human body, not including the head, arms, or legs.

For teachers: the human body excluding the head and limbs; the torso.

- The athlete has a very strong trunk, which helps him stay balanced while running.
- The surgeon noted that the shrapnel had only affected the patient's limbs, leaving the vital organs in the trunk unharmed.

### 6. swimming shorts

noun · CEFR B1

shorts that men wear for swimming.

For teachers: shorts worn by men for swimming or other aquatic activities.

- Don't forget to pack your swimming trunks for the beach trip.
- He emerged from the pool and wrapped a towel around his waist over his wet trunks.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form: 'swimming trunks' or just 'trunks'.

## Examples

- The elephant used its trunk to pick up the small piece of fruit.
- We managed to fit all three large suitcases into the trunk of the car before leaving for the airport.
- The ancient oak's massive trunk was covered in thick moss, indicating decades of growth in the damp, shaded valley.

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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.