Trolleys vs. Trollies: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Trolleys and trollies are alternate spellings of the same word, referring to wheeled vehicles or carts used for transport or carrying goods.
Key Differences
"Trolleys" is the more commonly used spelling, especially in American English. "Trollies," while less common, is an acceptable alternate spelling used in some English-speaking regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Both "trolleys" and "trollies" are used to refer to wheeled vehicles or carts. In literature, "trolleys" is more frequently used, but "trollies" may appear in certain texts or regional writings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
The preference for "trolleys" over "trollies" in mainstream English writing is noticeable. "Trollies," though recognized, is less prevalent in contemporary usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Some English-speaking countries or regions may show a preference for "trollies," but globally, "trolleys" is the dominant form.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Both "trolleys" and "trollies" are used in various contexts, including transportation, shopping, and material handling, with "trolleys" being the more universally recognized term.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Predominant in American English
Less common alternative spelling
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Dec 04, 2023
Linguistic Preference
Favored in mainstream English
Recognized but less favored
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Dec 04, 2023
Regional Variations
Less variation, more universally accepted
More regional variation
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Dec 04, 2023
Contextual Use
Used in various contexts, universally recognized
Used similarly, but less recognized
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Dec 04, 2023
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Trolleys and Trollies Definitions
Trolleys
A wheeled cart used for transporting goods or passengers.
The airport trolleys were convenient for carrying luggage.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trollies
A small table on wheels, used in serving, spelled alternatively.
The hotel used trollies to serve breakfast to the guests in their rooms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trolleys
A small table on wheels used for serving food or drinks.
The waiter brought our meals on a polished silver trolley.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trollies
An alternate spelling for a wheeled cart used for carrying items.
He loaded the boxes onto the trollies for delivery.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trolleys
A wheeled device used in supermarkets for shopping.
She pushed the trolley through the aisles, filling it with groceries.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Trollies
In supermarkets, an alternative term for a shopping cart.
The supermarket had newly designed trollies for customer convenience.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trolleys
In industrial settings, a trolley is a device for transporting heavy items.
They used a heavy-duty trolley to move the machinery.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trollies
Refers to an electric streetcar, as an alternative spelling.
Trollies were the primary mode of transport in the early 1900s.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trolleys
An electric streetcar running on tracks.
The old trolleys added charm to the city's streets.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trollies
An industrial transport device, spelled differently.
The workers relied on trollies to transport the construction materials.
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Dec 04, 2023
Trolleys
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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Oct 19, 2023
Trolleys
A small truck or car operating on a track and used in a mine, quarry, or factory for conveying materials.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Trollies
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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Oct 19, 2023
Trolleys
A wheeled carriage, cage, or basket that is suspended from and travels on an overhead track.
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Oct 19, 2023
Trollies
A small truck or car operating on a track and used in a mine, quarry, or factory for conveying materials.
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Oct 19, 2023
Trollies
A wheeled carriage, cage, or basket that is suspended from and travels on an overhead track.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Which is more commonly used, "trolleys" or "trollies"?
"Trolleys" is more commonly used, especially in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Is "trollies" an incorrect spelling?
No, it's an accepted alternative spelling, though less common.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Are "trolleys" and "trollies" the same thing?
Yes, they refer to the same object but are different spellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Are "trolleys" and "trollies" used in the same contexts?
Yes, they are used interchangeably in all contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Are there regional preferences for these spellings?
Yes, some regions may prefer "trollies," but "trolleys" is more universal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Do both spellings have the same pronunciation?
Yes, "trolleys" and "trollies" are pronounced the same way.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can both terms refer to a streetcar?
Yes, both can refer to a streetcar or tram.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are "trolleys" used more in American literature?
Yes, "trolleys" is more prevalent in American English literature.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can "trollies" be used in formal writing?
Yes, though "trolleys" is more standard and widely accepted.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can "trollies" be found in British English texts?
Yes, it can appear in British English, though "trolleys" is also used.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do both terms apply to supermarket carts?
Yes, they both refer to shopping carts in supermarkets.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Are "trolleys" and "trollies" used in the context of public transportation?
Yes, they both can refer to electric streetcars.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Does the choice of spelling affect the meaning?
No, the meaning remains the same regardless of spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Is "trolleys" preferred in technical writing?
Generally, yes, due to its more widespread acceptance.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Has the spelling "trollies" ever been more popular than "trolleys"?
Historically, "trolleys" has always been the more prevalent spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
"Trolleys" is more aligned with contemporary usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Are there any specific industries that prefer one spelling over the other?
No specific industry preference; usage varies more by region and tradition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Do both spellings appear in dictionaries?
Yes, most dictionaries list both as acceptable spellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Is the use of "trollies" declining?
It's less common but still in use in certain regions or texts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Can "trolleys" and "trollies" both refer to food service carts?
Yes, both can describe carts used for serving food.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 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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