trolley-bus

A trolley-bus travels down a wide city street.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electric bus: A "trolley-bus" is a bus that is powered by electricity drawn from overhead wires via a trolley pole, rather than by an internal combustion engine or batteries. It typically runs on tires on a road, not on rails.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The city replaced its diesel buses with trolley-buses to reduce air pollution. (An electric bus that draws power from overhead wires.)
  • She waited at the stop for the trolley-bus to take her to the university. (A public transportation vehicle powered by overhead electric cables.)

Advanced Usage

• "Trolley-bus system": A network of routes and infrastructure (overhead wires, substations) that supports trolley-bus operations.

  • The trolley-bus system in this city is one of the oldest in the world. (The entire network of electric buses and their supporting cables.)

• "Trolley-bus wire": The overhead electric cable that supplies power to the trolley-bus.

  • The repair crew fixed the broken trolley-bus wire after the storm. (The overhead cable that provides electricity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trolley (n): A device for collecting electric current from an overhead wire; also, a wheeled cart.

  • The trolley on the bus slipped off the wire. (The pole connecting the bus to the overhead cable.)

• Trolleybus (n): Alternative spelling of "trolley-bus," often written as one word.

  • The trolleybus glided silently down the street. (The same vehicle, spelled without a hyphen.)

Synonyms

• Electric bus: A bus that uses electric power (not necessarily from overhead wires, but often used interchangeably).

  • The electric bus is quieter than a diesel one. (A bus powered by electricity.)

• Trackless trolley: An older term for a trolley-bus, emphasizing its lack of rails.

  • The trackless trolley was popular in the mid-20th century. (A bus that uses overhead wires but no tracks.)

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs