Cart vs. Kart — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 6, 2023
Cart refers to a vehicle with either two or four wheels that is pushed by a person or pulled by an animal, while Kart is a small, motorized vehicle used primarily for racing or recreation.
Difference Between Cart and Kart
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cart and Kart, though sounding similar, have different functionalities and histories. A Cart is typically a simple vehicle designed for the transport of goods or people. Often, these can be seen being pulled by animals, like horses or oxen, or being pushed by individuals, especially in the context of shopping. Carts have been in existence for centuries, serving fundamental roles in trade, agriculture, and daily life.
Kart, on the other hand, is a term associated primarily with the world of recreation and sports. When you hear "Kart," it's often in the context of "go-kart," which refers to a small, lightweight, motorized vehicle. These vehicles are used for racing in specialized tracks and are designed for speed and agility.
While both Cart and Kart serve as modes of transportation, their usages are distinct. A Cart is more utilitarian, meant for practical purposes like carrying goods or aiding in shopping. In contrast, a Kart's primary purpose is fun, excitement, and competition.
The origins of these words also vary. "Cart" derives from Old Norse "kartr," indicating a vehicle. In contrast, "Kart" is a 20th-century invention, a shortened form of "go-kart," emphasizing its speedy nature and recreational use.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Transportation of goods or people.
Racing or recreation.
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Motorization
Typically non-motorized, pushed or pulled.
Motorized.
Association
Trade, agriculture, shopping.
Sports, recreation.
Number of Wheels
Can vary, often four.
Typically four.
Origin of the Word
Derives from Old Norse "kartr".
20th-century term, from "go-kart".
Compare with Definitions
Cart
A Cart is a vehicle, often with four wheels, used for transporting goods.
He loaded the hay onto the cart.
Kart
A Kart is a small motorized vehicle used for racing.
The kids enjoyed racing the kart around the track.
Cart
Cart refers to a hand vehicle that's pushed by a person.
She pushed her shopping cart through the aisle.
Kart
Kart is a term associated with specific tracks designed for its use.
The new kart track in town is state-of-the-art.
Cart
In the digital context, Cart can be an area on e-commerce sites to add items for purchase.
I added three books to my online cart.
Kart
Kart often relates to a "go-kart," used in competitive racing.
The go-kart championship drew large crowds.
Cart
Cart can mean to take or carry something somewhere, especially using a lot of effort.
He had to cart the heavy furniture up three flights of stairs.
Kart
Kart can refer to a lightweight vehicle used for recreation.
Renting a kart by the beach was a fun summer activity.
Cart
A cart or dray (Aus. & NZ) is a vehicle designed for transport, using two wheels and normally pulled by one or a pair of draught animals.
Kart
Karts are known for their speed and agility.
The nimble kart zipped past its competitors.
Cart
A small wheeled vehicle typically pushed by hand
A shopping cart.
A pastry cart.
Kart
A small unsprung motor-racing vehicle typically having four wheels and consisting of a tubular frame with a rear-mounted engine.
Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle drawn by an animal and used in farm work and for transporting goods.
Kart
A miniature car used in racing. Also called go-cart.
Cart
The quantity that a cart can hold.
Kart
A go-cart.
Cart
An open two-wheeled carriage.
Kart
(intransitive) To ride in a go-cart.
Cart
A light motorized vehicle
A golf cart.
Cart
To convey in a cart or truck
Cart away garbage.
Cart
To convey laboriously or unceremoniously; lug
Carted the whole gang off to jail.
Cart
A small, open, wheeled vehicle, drawn or pushed by a person or animal, more often used for transporting goods than passengers.
The grocer delivered his goods by cart.
Cart
A small motor vehicle resembling a car; a go-cart.
Cart
(Internet) A shopping cart.
Cart
A tape cartridge used for pre-recorded material such as jingles and advertisements.
Cart
A cartridge for a video game system.
My Final Fantasy cart on the NES is still alive and kicking.
Cart
(transitive) To carry or convey in a cart.
Cart
To carry goods.
I've been carting these things around all day.
Cart
(transitive) To remove, especially involuntarily or for disposal.
Cart
To expose in a cart by way of punishment.
Cart
A common name for various kinds of vehicles, as a Scythian dwelling on wheels, or a chariot.
Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle for the ordinary purposes of husbandry, or for transporting bulky and heavy articles.
Packing all his goods in one poor cart.
Cart
A light business wagon used by bakers, grocerymen, butchers, etc.
Cart
An open two-wheeled pleasure carriage.
Cart
To carry or convey in a cart.
Cart
To expose in a cart by way of punishment.
She chuckled when a bawd was carted.
Cart
To carry burdens in a cart; to follow the business of a carter.
Cart
A heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal
Cart
Wheeled vehicle that can be pushed by a person; may have one or two or four wheels;
He used a handcart to carry the rocks away
Their pushcart was piled high with groceries
Cart
Draw slowly or heavily;
Haul stones
Haul nets
Cart
Transport something in a cart
Cart
A Cart is a two-wheeled vehicle pulled by an animal.
The horse pulled the cart through the village.
Common Curiosities
Are Karts safe for kids?
With proper supervision, safety measures, and equipment, karts can be safe for kids.
Can "Cart" refer to online shopping?
Yes, the term "shopping cart" can mean a digital space where online shoppers place items to purchase.
Are there different types of Karts?
Yes, including racing karts, off-road karts, and recreational karts.
Is a Kart always motorized?
Typically, yes. Karts are known for being small motorized vehicles.
Why is "Kart" spelled with a "K"?
It's derived from "go-kart", a 20th-century term emphasizing its recreational nature.
What kind of fuel does a Kart use?
Most use gasoline, but there are electric variants as well.
Are Carts only used for transporting goods?
Primarily, but they can also transport people, especially in historical or rural contexts.
Are Carts antiquated or still in use?
While ancient, carts are still widely used, especially in shopping contexts or in regions where motorized vehicles aren't prevalent.
Is a Cart always wheeled?
Typically, yes. Most carts have wheels for easy movement.
Can I build a Cart at home?
Yes, with the right materials and knowledge, one can construct a basic cart.
Is "Carting" a verb?
Yes, it means transporting or carrying something using a cart.
How fast can a Kart go?
It varies, but some racing karts can reach speeds over 60 mph.
What's the difference between a Cart and a wagon?
Both are wheeled vehicles, but wagons are usually larger and primarily designed for carrying heavy loads.
What's the origin of the word "Cart"?
It derives from the Old Norse word "kartr."
Can Karts be driven on roads?
Usually, they're meant for tracks, but some regions may allow them on roads with restrictions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
