Trolley vs. Cart: Difference and Comparison
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elijah
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A streetcar or tram operating on tracks.
The trolley passed by the city's main square.
Elijah
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A simple open vehicle for transporting goods.
She sold fruits from her cart in the marketplace.
Nolan
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A small table on wheels, especially in a hospital.
The nurse brought medication on a trolley.
William
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A vehicle in golf to carry players.
They rented a golf cart for the afternoon.
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.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A shopping vehicle in supermarkets.
He filled the trolley with fresh produce.
Kaitlyn
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
To expose in a cart by way of punishment.
She chuckled when a bawd was carted.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A wheeled stand for a device like a computer.
The teacher brought in a cart of laptops.
Henry
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A small wheeled vehicle typically pushed by hand
a shopping cart.
a pastry cart.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle drawn by an animal and used in farm work and for transporting goods.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A form of truck which can be tilted, for carrying railroad materials, or the like.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
To convey laboriously or unceremoniously; lug
carted the whole gang off to jail.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A wheeled vehicle that runs on rails and is propelled by electricity;
`tram' and `tramcar' are British terms
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.
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.
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.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A tape cartridge used for pre-recorded material such as jingles and advertisements.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Trolley
A wheeled carriage, cage, or basket that is suspended from and travels on an overhead track.
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.
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.
Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
A common name for various kinds of vehicles, as a Scythian dwelling on wheels, or a chariot.
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.
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.
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
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Cart
An online interface for adding purchased items.
She added shoes to her online cart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 01, 2023
What is a trolley
A trolley is typically a wheeled vehicle, often associated with shopping or public transport.
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.
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.
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.
Muazma Batool
Sep 01, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
