Etymology

tube train

Today it means: A smaller-profile underground train which operates through the tube tunnels under London, which have a small cross section. Full definition →

Ask AI about its historyChatGPTClaudePerplexityGoogle AIGrok

The story

Probably named after the shape of the tunnels; the Tube is an informal name for London Underground which has been trademarked.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.