trestle

noun

tres·​tle ˈtre-səl How to pronounce trestle (audio)
 also  ˈtrə-
variants or less commonly tressel
1
: a braced frame serving as a support
2
: horse sense 2b
3
: a braced framework of timbers, piles, or steelwork for carrying a road or railroad over a depression

Examples of trestle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another legend states the creature is so horrible to behold that people jump from the trestle in fear to escape it. —Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 28 Sep. 2024 Video footage obtained by CBS affiliate KHOU appears to show that part of the train trestle that runs along the bridge has collapsed. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 15 May 2024 Passengers travel over historic trestle bridges and through a 734-foot-long tunnel, following 20 miles of the Verde River. —Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024 Start atop the mountain, then follow the trail for 34.3 miles through farmlands and across rushing streams spanned by 50-some wooden trestles. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trestle 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trestel, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *trastellum, from Latin transtillum, diminutive of transtrum traverse beam, from trans across — more at through entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trestle was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing trestle

Dictionary Entries Near trestle

tres-tine

trestle

trestle bent

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Trestle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trestle. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

trestle

noun
tres·​tle ˈtres-əl How to pronounce trestle (audio)
1
: a braced frame consisting usually of a horizontal piece with spreading legs at each end that supports something (as the top of a table)
2
: a structure of timbers or steel for carrying a road or railroad over a valley

More from Merriam-Webster on trestle

Nglish: Translation of trestle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trestle for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trestle

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