Cab vs. Taxi: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 25, 2023
"A 'cab' and a 'taxi' are essentially the same, both referring to a vehicle for hire with a driver, though 'cab' is more commonly used in the UK."
Key Differences
The term 'cab' originates from 'cabriolet,' a horse-drawn carriage, and has evolved to mean a car for hire. Similarly, 'taxi' derives from 'taximeter,' an instrument measuring the fare based on distance or time. Both words now commonly refer to vehicles that transport passengers for a fee.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
'Cab' is often used colloquially in British English, whereas 'taxi' is more universally recognized. Despite this regional preference, both terms describe the same service: a vehicle available for public hire to provide transportation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
In terms of connotation, 'cab' can sometimes imply a more old-fashioned or traditional mode of transportation, while 'taxi' is perceived as more modern. However, in practical usage, cab and taxi are interchangeable and understood globally.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Technologically, vehicles labeled as cabs or taxis often offer similar features, such as meters and communication equipment. The distinction in naming is more about linguistic preference than any functional difference.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
The evolution of transportation has seen both 'cabs' and 'taxis' adapt to modern demands, including app-based hailing services. The terms have become synonymous, irrespective of minor regional language differences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Origin of Term
From 'cabriolet,' a horse-drawn carriage
From 'taximeter,' a distance/time measuring device
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Technological Features
Meters, communication equipment
Similar features as cabs
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Adaptation
Evolved to include app-based services
Also includes modern hailing methods
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
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Cab and Taxi Definitions
Cab
An enclosure for specific equipment or machinery.
The operator worked inside the cab of the heavy machinery.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Taxi
A car licensed to transport passengers in return for payment.
I hailed a taxi downtown.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Cab
A type of sheltered carriage.
Historically, people traveled in horse-drawn cabs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Taxi
The act of an aircraft moving along the ground.
The plane began to taxi to the runway.
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Dec 14, 2023
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Taxi
A service for hiring vehicles with drivers.
We called a taxi service for a ride home.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Taxi
A small vehicle for quick transportation in urban areas.
We caught a taxi to avoid traffic.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Cab
The covered compartment of a heavy vehicle or machine, such as a truck or locomotive, in which the operator or driver sits.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
An ancient Hebrew unit of measure equal to about 2 liters (2.1 quarts).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
To move slowly on the ground or on the surface of the water before takeoff or after landing
An airplane taxiing down the runway.
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Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
To transport by or as if by taxi
Taxied the children to dance class.
Taxi documents to a law office.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
A vehicle that may be hired for single journeys by members of the public, driven by a taxi driver.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
Shelter at the top of an air traffic control tower or fire lookout tower.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
(aviation) The movement of an aircraft across an airport's surface under its own power; a phase of aircraft operation involving this movement.
During taxi, the flaps and slats are extended and the second engine (if not already running) is started.
Seat belts must be kept fastened during taxi, takeoff, turbulence, and landing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
To move an aircraft on the ground under its own power.
Taxi down the runway
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
A former Hebrew unit of volume, about equal to 1.3{{nbsp}}L as a dry measure or 1.25{{nbsp}}L as a liquid measure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
An arcade cabinet, the unit in which a video game is housed in a gaming arcade.
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Dec 13, 2023
Cab
Alternative form of CAB}}; {{clipping of; a compress library archive file.
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Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
A car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
A kind of close carriage with two or four wheels, usually a public vehicle.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
The covered part of a locomotive, in which the engineer has his station.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Taxi
To move slowly on the ground before takeoff or after landing (aircraft).
The jet taxied slowly to the gate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Cab
Small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage; with two seats and a folding hood
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
A car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cab
A compartment for the driver in a truck, train, or crane.
He sat in the cab of the crane, operating the controls.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Cab
Short for 'cabinet' in contexts like 'taxi cab.'
The cab was clean and well-maintained.
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Dec 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does 'taxi' have a modern connotation?
Yes, 'taxi' is often perceived as more modern.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can both terms refer to app-based services?
Yes, both can describe vehicles hired through apps.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are taxis equipped with meters?
Yes, most taxis have meters to calculate fares.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Do both offer airport services?
Yes, both can be used for airport transportation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Is a 'cab' always a car?
In modern usage, yes, but historically it referred to horse-drawn carriages.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can 'cab' mean a driver's compartment?
Yes, in vehicles like trucks and cranes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can both be hailed on the street?
Yes, both cabs and taxis can be hailed publicly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are 'cab' and 'taxi' interchangeable?
Yes, in most contexts, they mean the same thing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Is there a difference in fares?
No, cab and taxi fares are typically calculated similarly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can 'taxi' refer to an aircraft's movement?
Yes, it describes an aircraft moving on the ground.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Does 'taxi' come from 'taximeter'?
Yes, it refers to the fare meter used in these vehicles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Do both terms apply to ride-sharing services?
They can, though ride-sharing has its own terminology.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can both be booked in advance?
Yes, both can often be reserved ahead of time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are cabs and taxis safe?
Safety standards vary, but many are regulated for safety.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are there different types of cabs and taxis?
Yes, ranging from standard sedans to larger vehicles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are there electric cabs and taxis?
Yes, electric options are becoming more common.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Do both require special licenses?
Yes, drivers typically need specific licenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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