Trolley: meaning, definitions and examples

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trolley

 

[หˆtrษ’li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

supermarket

A shopping cart with wheels used for carrying groceries.

Synonyms

basket, cart, shopping cart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trolley

As noted, mostly used in British English to describe a wheeled vehicle for carrying items. It can also refer to streetcars in other contexts, but here it is specific to shopping or airports.

  • She maneuvered the trolley carefully to avoid hitting any shelves
cart

Typically used in American English, this word also refers to a wheeled vehicle used in supermarkets. It is a general term and can apply to other types of carts used for moving goods.

  • She guided the cart through the crowded store
shopping cart

A more specific term commonly used in American English, referring exclusively to the wheeled vehicle used by customers to collect and transport selected items in a supermarket.

  • He loaded his shopping cart with groceries for the week
basket

A container made of woven materials, often with a handle, used for carrying smaller quantities of items. It can be used both in supermarkets and for various other purposes like picnics or gatherings.

  • He filled the basket with fresh fruits and vegetables

Examples of usage

  • I need to grab a trolley before I start shopping.
  • Don't forget to return your trolley after loading your car.
Context #2 | Noun

public transportation

A vehicle on rails used for transporting passengers, typically in urban areas.

Synonyms

light rail, streetcar, tram.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trolley

Primarily used in American English to describe an electric vehicle that runs on tracks in the street. It can also refer to a bus-like vehicle that runs on wheels and may not operate strictly on tracks. Sometimes used as a tourist attraction.

  • The city offers a vintage trolley tour for visitors.
  • We rode the trolley to the local market.
tram

Primarily used in British English and widely in other parts of the world to describe electric vehicles running on tracks in the street. More commonly used outside the US.

  • Manchester has one of the most extensive tram networks in the UK.
  • We took the tram across the city to avoid the traffic.
streetcar

Commonly used in American English to describe a rail vehicle that operates on city streets. It's often used interchangeably with 'trolley,' but may have a more historical or specific urban context.

  • The streetcar system in San Francisco is famous worldwide.
  • They are renovating the old streetcars for a heritage tour.
light rail

Refers to a form of urban rail transit typical in modern settings, often somewhat faster and more extensive than traditional streetcars or trams. Used in discussions about urban transportation planning and infrastructure.

  • The new light rail system has improved commuting times.
  • They are considering expanding the light rail network to the suburbs.

Examples of usage

  • I took the trolley to downtown for the event.
  • The trolley system makes commuting easier in the city.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'trolley' originally referred to a pole that drew power from overhead wires in streetcars and started being used in the mid-19th century.
  • Early trolleys were pulled by horses before electric systems transformed public transport in the late 1800s.
  • The first electric trolley car service began in Richmond, Virginia, in 1888, ushering in a new era of urban transport.

Technology

  • Modern trolleys often utilize renewable energy sources, like solar power, to reduce their environmental footprint.
  • The design of trolley systems allows for quick, efficient transport, helping to decrease traffic congestion in cities.
  • Some cities have introduced 'smart' trolleys equipped with real-time tracking and communication systems to improve user experience.

Pop Culture

  • Trolleys have appeared in many classic films and TV shows, symbolizing urban life; think of the beloved 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' with its iconic trolley.
  • The use of trolleys often represents nostalgia for older transportation methods, evoking a sense of simpler times in modern storytelling.
  • Trolleys are featured in music and literature, from a song about a trolley on the street to stories celebrating city life.

Geography

  • Cities like San Francisco are famous for their historic cable car trolleys, a unique form of transport that's also a tourist attraction.
  • Trolley systems exist in various cities worldwide, including modern cities like Melbourne, Australia, and tram networks in Europe.
  • In many Asian cities, trolleys (often called trams) are an essential part of the public transport system, easing mobility and reducing pollution.

Psychology

  • Riding a trolley can evoke feelings of community and connection as people share space and commute together.
  • Studies show that using public transport, including trolleys, can increase emotional well-being by reducing stress compared to driving alone.
  • The routine of taking a trolley can foster a sense of belonging among commuters, as they recognize familiar faces during their daily travels.

Translations

Translations of the word "trolley" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bonde

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅเคฐเฅ‰เคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช StraรŸenbahn

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ trem

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะพะปะตะนะฑัƒั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tramwaj

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒˆใƒญใƒชใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tramway

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tranvรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tramvay

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŠธ๋กค๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุฑุจุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tramvaj

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ elektriฤka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็”ต่ฝฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tramvaj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sporvagn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั€ะพะปะปะตะนะฑัƒั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ แƒแƒšแƒ”แƒ˜แƒ‘แƒฃแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trolleybus

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tranvรญa

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,304, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.