Definition

Noun: A long-distance telephone call. This term specifically refers to a call made to a location outside the local calling area, typically involving a charge beyond the basic local rate. It is a dated term, largely replaced by "long-distance call."

Usage

The term "trunk call" is used to specify a telephone call that is not local. It functions as a countable noun. * You need to make a trunk call to speak to someone in another city. * The hotel charges a high fee for trunk calls. * In the past, you had to ask the operator to place a trunk call.

Examples

• "I need to make a trunk call to our London office."
• "The bill included several expensive trunk calls to Australia."
• "Before direct dialing, all trunk calls were connected by a telephone operator."

Advanced Usage

• "To place a trunk call": This is the standard collocation for initiating a long-distance call.
  • He went to the post office to place a trunk call to his family.

Variants and Related Words

• Long-distance call (n): The modern, more common synonym for "trunk call."
• Toll call (n): A similar, chiefly North American term for a call for which a charge is made.
• Local call (n): The antonym; a call made within the local calling area.

Synonyms

• Long-distance call
• Toll call (US)
• Distance call

Antonyms

• Local call

Noun

1. a telephone call made outside the local calling area
   • I talked to her by long distance