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Glite Dictionary
trolley coach

trolley coach

4.6
A bus that runs on electricity from overhead wires to carry people
  • noun
  • /ˈtrɑli koʊtʃ/
  • US
translation icon : trolebús
  • Tourists can explore the downtown area aboard a charming trolley coach that runs on electricity.

Examples

  • Many people prefer the quiet ride of a trolley coach compared to a diesel bus.

  • The city replaced its old trolley coach fleet with newer electric buses.

  • During the parade, a vintage trolley coach carried visitors through the historic district.

  • The trolley coach arrived on time.

  • Many people prefer taking the trolley coaches for their daily commute.

  • Many commuters enjoy using the trolley coach for a smooth and silent journey to work.

  • The city implemented a new trolley coach system to improve public transport accessibility.

Synonyms

bus
vstrolley coach
∞ 1.0

A large vehicle that carries many people along a set route

is powered by overhead electricity rather than by an onboard engine
coach
vstrolley coach
75 1.3

A large comfortable vehicle like a bus or long train carriage

is defined by its electric overhead power not by comfort or luxury
trolleybus
vstrolley coach
1 6.0

A bus that runs on electricity from overhead wires

emphasizes use for public transport rather than any road vehicle
trackless trolley
vstrolley coach
  • US
6.7

A bus that uses electricity from wires above the street and does not run on tracks

does not stress road versus track use, focusing on overhead power

How Big

coach
75 1.3
bus
∞ 1.0
trolley coach
  • US
4.6
minibus
4 2.7

Surface Forms

trolley coach singular
trolley coaches plural

Morphology

trolley + coach

The compound combines two concrete vehicle words: 'trolley' (electric vehicle) and 'coach' (passenger vehicle), so a learner who knows both will readily infer an electrically powered passenger bus. The composition follows regular English noun–noun formation and is cross‑linguistically transparent, despite minor technical differences (rails vs overhead wires) that do not prevent comprehension.

Etymology

Trolley coach comes from old electric buses that used a long metal pole called a trolley to touch wires above the road while coach meant a bus. The pole picked up electricity to run the vehicle, so today trolley coach means a bus 'powered by electricity from wires above the street'.