What is trunk? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of trunk

trunknoun

Thân cây

/trʌŋk//trʌŋk/

Where does the word trunk come from?

The word "trunk" has a fascinating history. The term originated in the 14th century from the Latin word "tunica," meaning "tunic" or "covering." Initially, a trunk referred to a type of cloth or textile used to cover or wrap around the body. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the main stem or axis of a tree, likely due to the similarity in shape and appearance between a wrapped garment and a tree's trunk. In the 17th century, the term also began to be used to describe a large container or storage space, such as a vehicle trunk or a shipping container. Today, the word "trunk" has multiple meanings, including its original sense of a covering, as well as its uses in biology, transportation, and more.

Vocabulary summary trunk

typenoun

meaningbody (tree, column, person, animal)

meaningtrunk; suitcase

meaning(like) trunk

typetransitive verb

meaningwash (ore)

Example of vocabulary trunknamespace

meaning

the thick main stem of a tree, that the branches grow from

  • an instrument made from a hollowed-out tree trunk
meaning

the space at the back of a car that you put bags, cases, etc. in

  • He slammed the trunk shut.
  • She popped the trunk and we tossed the stuff inside.
meaning

the long nose of an elephant

meaning

a piece of clothing covering the lower part of the body and sometimes the top part of the legs, worn by men and boys for swimming

meaning

a large, strong box with a lid (= cover), used for storing or transporting clothes, books, etc.

  • I found the documents at the bottom of an old tin trunk in the attic.
  • She was packing her school trunk.
meaning

the main part of the human body apart from the head, arms and legs

Synonyms and related words for trunk

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