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Definition of trolleybus

trolleybus

/ˈtrɑːliˌbʌs/
trol · ley · bus
Plural:trolleybuses
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trolleybus Lexical Profile

trolleybus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An electric passenger bus that runs on rubber tires along the street and draws power from two overhead wires using spring-loaded poles mounted on its roof.

Example

"The city expanded its electric trolleybus network to reduce emissions on steep commuter routes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for trolleybus

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike a tram or streetcar, which runs on fixed steel rails embedded in the street, a trolleybus has rubber tires and steers like a conventional bus while drawing power from dual overhead wires.

• Nearby Words

troll
troller
trolley
trolleybus
trollied
trollish
trollius

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of 'trolley' (referring to the grooved wheel or pole assembly that collects electricity from an overhead wire) and 'bus' (shortened from Latin 'omnibus', meaning 'for all').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Trolleybus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/trolleybus
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