What does trolleybus mean?
The trolleybus is an electric bus that obtains power from wires suspended above the street, normally through a pole fitted with a wheeled current collector. Unlike a tram, it does not need rails: its rubber tyres allow it to travel on ordinary roads, and it can turn more freely in busy urban streets. The word is chiefly associated with Britain, where trolleybuses have served as important public transport in cities such as London, Sheffield, and Nottingham, but systems have also operated in the United States and several other countries. In everyday use, “trolleybus” is usually a noun, though it can also be used as a verb meaning to travel by one. The compound reflects its two central features: “trolley” refers to the overhead current-collecting apparatus, while “bus” identifies the passenger vehicle. Its distinctive combination of electric propulsion, road wheels, and fixed overhead wiring makes it an unusually recognizable form of public transport.
A rubber-tyred electric bus powered through a trolley pole connected to overhead wires.
"A trolleybus passed along the narrow street while traffic was stopped."
The term is especially common in British English and may be written as two words, “trolley bus.”
To travel by trolleybus.
"We trolleybussed to the harbour because the roads were closed for the parade."
The plural trolleybuses is standard; trolleybusses is also an accepted variant.
"The two trolleybuses arrived at the depot for maintenance."
The trolleybus brought electric transport to streets that could not carry trams: overhead wires supplied the power, while rubber tyres let it use ordinary roads.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trolleybus come from?
Trolleybus is a compound of trolley and bus. In this compound, trolley refers to the wheeled current-collector that connects the vehicle to overhead wires, while bus comes through French from Latin omnibus, meaning “for everyone.” The compound developed in the late nineteenth century for electric road vehicles designed to operate without tram rails.
Related word forms
How trolleybus is actually used
In present-day English, trolleybus is chiefly associated with Britain, although the term and the technology are also used in North America and elsewhere. The one-word form is standard, while the two-word spelling “trolley bus” is also established.
Easily confused with trolleybus
A trolleybus runs on ordinary roads using rubber tyres and overhead electric wires, whereas a tram runs on rails.
A bus may use any fuel or power source, while a trolleybus specifically draws electricity from overhead wires.