el

el · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (North American, informal) An elevated railway, especially in Chicago.

  2. 2.

    The letter L or l.

Forms

plural: els

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ride the el — to use the elevated railway system
  • •
    el train — a train on an elevated railway

Related words

See also: railway, subway, train
Synonyms: L train, elevated railway, elevated train

Etymology

Shortened form of elevated (railway). The Chicago elevated railway system has been called "the el" or "the L" since the late 19th century.