trolley
trolley Lexical Profile
trolley Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A large metal basket or frame on wheels, used for transporting heavy or bulky items such as groceries in a supermarket or luggage at an airport.
"She filled her supermarket trolley with fresh vegetables, bread, and milk before heading to the checkout."
North American A passenger vehicle powered by electricity obtained from an overhead cable, typically running on rails laid in a city street.
"We rode the vintage trolley through the historic downtown district to reach the museum."
A small table on casters or wheels used for conveying and serving food or drinks.
"The waiter wheeled the dessert trolley over to our table so we could make a selection."
• verb
To transport or convey someone or something using a wheeled cart or trolley.
"The hospital porter trolleyed the patient down the corridor toward the operating theater."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British and Commonwealth English, a 'trolley' typically refers to a wheeled cart for shopping or luggage, whereas in North American English, it primarily refers to an electric streetcar.
• Rhymes for trolley
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 19th century (originally denoting a low cart): probably from the verb 'troll' meaning 'to roll or trundle' combined with the suffix '-ey'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.