Trolley vs. Cart: Difference and Comparison
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By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 8, 2023
A trolley typically refers to a wheeled vehicle for transporting goods or passengers, while a cart is a two-wheeled vehicle often pulled by an animal or pushed by a person.
![Trolley vs. Cart](/images/trolley-vs-cart-12705.webp)
Difference Between Trolley and Cart
Trolley and cart are both wheeled structures used for transportation purposes. A trolley, often found in urban settings, is designed to carry both goods and passengers, especially in contexts like shopping centers or public transport systems. On the other hand, a cart is a simpler structure, frequently two-wheeled, that can be pushed by a person or pulled by an animal, predominantly used to haul goods.
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Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
In many contexts, particularly in American English, the word trolley might also denote a streetcar or a tram that moves on tracks. In contrast, a cart is universally recognized as a manual vehicle, lacking the sophisticated mechanisms of track movement or self-powered navigation which a trolley might possess.
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Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
The word trolley can often be associated with specialized contexts. For instance, in a supermarket setting, a trolley is the object customers push around to collect their groceries. Carts, meanwhile, have a more rustic or traditional connotation, reminding one of historical settings where goods were transported in wooden carts pulled by horses or oxen.
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Muneeza Rehman
Sep 01, 2023
When we focus on the features, trolleys generally have a sturdier build and may come with specialized compartments or sections, suitable for various needs like in airports or hotels. Carts have a more basic design, often featuring a simple open space to place items, making them more versatile for different uses, from golf courses to farms.
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Nolan
Sep 01, 2023
Trolley vs. Cart Comparison Chart
Trolley vs. Cart Definitions
◉Trolley
A wheeled vehicle for transporting goods or passengers.
She loaded her groceries into the trolley.
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Levi
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle pulled by an animal or pushed by a person.
He loaded the hay onto the cart.
![](/avatar/e94c640f6617b7c972b08f66c5142741.webp?s=32)
Elijah
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A streetcar or tram operating on tracks.
The trolley passed by the city's main square.
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Elijah
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A simple open vehicle for transporting goods.
She sold fruits from her cart in the marketplace.
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Nolan
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A small table on wheels, especially in a hospital.
The nurse brought medication on a trolley.
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William
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A vehicle in golf to carry players.
They rented a golf cart for the afternoon.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A wheeled device that moves along an overhead track.
The camera was mounted on a trolley for dynamic shots.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A shopping vehicle in supermarkets.
He filled the trolley with fresh produce.
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Kaitlyn
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
To expose in a cart by way of punishment.
She chuckled when a bawd was carted.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A wheeled stand for a device like a computer.
The teacher brought in a cart of laptops.
![](/avatar/9a92bbf2630d5bb4535a9c27bc412a51.webp?s=32)
Henry
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A small wheeled vehicle typically pushed by hand
a shopping cart.
a pastry cart.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle drawn by an animal and used in farm work and for transporting goods.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A form of truck which can be tilted, for carrying railroad materials, or the like.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
To convey laboriously or unceremoniously; lug
carted the whole gang off to jail.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A wheeled vehicle that runs on rails and is propelled by electricity;
`tram' and `tramcar' are British terms
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Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A small, open, wheeled vehicle, drawn or pushed by a person or animal, more often used for transporting goods than passengers.
The grocer delivered his goods by cart.
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Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A device that collects electric current from an underground conductor, an overhead wire, or a third rail and transmits it to the motor of an electric vehicle.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A small truck or car operating on a track and used in a mine, quarry, or factory for conveying materials.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A tape cartridge used for pre-recorded material such as jingles and advertisements.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A wheeled carriage, cage, or basket that is suspended from and travels on an overhead track.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A cartridge for a video game system.
My Final Fantasy cart on the NES is still alive and kicking.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A trolley pole; a single-pole device for collecting electrical current from an overhead electrical line, normally for a tram/streetcar or a trolleybus.
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Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A common name for various kinds of vehicles, as a Scythian dwelling on wheels, or a chariot.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle for the ordinary purposes of husbandry, or for transporting bulky and heavy articles.
Packing all his goods in one poor cart.
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Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A truck which travels along the fixed conductors in an electric railway, and forms a means of connection between them and a railway car.
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
wheeled vehicle that can be pushed by a person; may have one or two or four wheels;
he used a handcart to carry the rocks away
their pushcart was piled high with groceries
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Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
An online interface for adding purchased items.
She added shoes to her online cart.
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Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
Trolley vs. Cart Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cart
A cart is a simple wheeled vehicle, often two-wheeled, used primarily for transporting goods.
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Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
Is a shopping cart the same as a trolley
In American English, a shopping cart is the term used, while in British English, it's often called a trolley.
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Elijah
Sep 01, 2023
Are all trolleys self-powered
No, while some trolleys, like trams, are self-powered, others, like shopping trolleys, require manual push.
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Elijah
Sep 01, 2023
Where are carts typically used
Carts are used in a variety of settings, from markets to farms, and even in golf courses.
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Levi
Sep 01, 2023
Can a trolley be used to serve food
Yes, in some contexts, a trolley is a small table on wheels used in settings like hospitals or airplanes to serve food.
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Muneeza Rehman
Sep 01, 2023
Can carts be used in modern contexts
Yes, carts are versatile and are used in various contexts, from farming to online shopping interfaces.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 01, 2023
What is a trolley
A trolley is typically a wheeled vehicle, often associated with shopping or public transport.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
How is a trolley different from a streetcar
While both can be called trolleys, a streetcar specifically operates on tracks in urban settings.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
Is a cart always manual
While traditional carts are manual, there are motorized versions, like golf carts, in modern contexts.
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Olivia
Sep 01, 2023
What is a trolley bus
A trolley bus is a bus powered by overhead electric wires, but it doesn't run on tracks like a streetcar.
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Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
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