trolley
This term is predominantly used in British English to describe shopping carts or luggage carriers, whereas American English typically uses "cart" for shopping and "trolley" specifically for streetcars. The word evokes a sense of utility and movement, whether it is the mundane task of grocery shopping or the industrial transport of heavy equipment in a hospital or airport. In the context of public transport, the word refers to a specific type of electric rail vehicle. This usage carries a nostalgic or urban connotation, often associated with historic city centers or specific transit systems that rely on overhead power lines.
Meanings
A large metal basket on wheels used by shoppers in a supermarket to carry goods.
"She filled the trolley with groceries for the week."
A wheeled vehicle or platform used for transporting luggage, equipment, or food in hotels, airports, or hospitals.
"The porter pushed the luggage trolley toward the elevator."
A streetcar or tram that is powered by electricity from overhead wires.
"The city restored the old trolley lines to encourage tourism."