Wagon vs. Lorry: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 19, 2023
"Wagon" typically refers to a four-wheeled vehicle for transporting goods or people; "Lorry" is a British term for a large motor vehicle for transporting goods.
Key Differences
"Wagon" is a term that traditionally refers to a four-wheeled vehicle, often pulled by animals, used for transporting goods or sometimes people. It's a term that's been used historically, particularly in the context of the Old West. "Lorry," on the other hand, is a British term that refers to what Americans would call a truck, specifically a larger motor vehicle designed for transporting goods. Unlike a wagon, a lorry is motorized and not designed for carrying passengers.
In everyday language, "wagon" might also refer to a station wagon, which is a car with a longer body style containing a large area behind the seats for storage, similar to what is known in British English as an estate car. "Lorry" doesn't have this kind of flexibility in meaning; it's specifically used to refer to a larger vehicle used for commercial purposes, similar to what Americans would refer to as a semi or tractor-trailer truck.
In terms of functionality, "wagons" in their traditional sense aren't commonly used anymore except in specific settings, like farms or historical reenactments, or as a term for certain types of cars. "Lorries," however, are a common sight on highways, transporting goods both locally and internationally as part of a global supply chain. They're an integral part of commerce and trade, essential for moving products from manufacturers to warehouses to retailers.
From a linguistic perspective, "wagon" is a term used primarily in American English, while "lorry" is distinctively British. If you were in the United States and referred to a "lorry," you might receive confused looks, with people likely thinking you're referring to a truck. Conversely, in the UK, "wagon" might bring to mind the American West or a type of car, rather than a vehicle for transporting goods.
In cultural representations, "wagons" often evoke images of historical periods, particularly the American frontier, covered wagons, and pioneers. They're part of American folklore and history. "Lorries," meanwhile, don't have the same historical connotations but are more present in everyday modern life, especially in the UK. They're associated with the practicalities of modern transport and commerce, rather than a romanticized past.
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Comparison Chart
Parts of speech
Used primarily as a noun
Used as a noun
Grammatical role
Functions as a subject or object in a sentence
Functions as a subject or object in a sentence
Conjugation
Not applicable (non-verb)
Not applicable (non-verb)
Synonyms
Cart, carriage, vehicle
Truck, rig, heavy goods vehicle
Usage
Common in American English
Predominantly British English
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Wagon and Lorry Definitions
Wagon
A vehicle with four wheels, usually pulled by horses or oxen, used for transporting goods or people.
They used a sturdy wagon to cross the plains during their move westward.
Lorry
In British English, a flatbed or open-top vehicle for transporting goods.
The farmer loaded the hay bales onto the lorry.
Wagon
A car with a longer body style containing a large area behind the seats for storage; a station wagon.
She packed all the camping gear into the back of her wagon.
Lorry
A large truck for carrying heavy loads.
The construction lorry was filled with building materials.
Wagon
In British slang, the "wagon" can refer to abstaining from alcohol (as in "on the wagon").
After the new year, he was on the wagon for three months.
Lorry
In general, any heavy motor vehicle used for haulage.
The lorry struggled to climb the steep hill with its heavy load.
Wagon
A four-wheeled, usually horse-drawn vehicle with a large rectangular body, used for transporting loads.
Lorry
A vehicle used for commercial transport, especially in the UK.
The parking lot was filled with lorries from various logistics companies.
Wagon
A light automotive transport or delivery vehicle.
Lorry
A motor truck.
Wagon
A station wagon.
Lorry
(British) A large and heavy motor vehicle designed to carry goods or soldiers; a truck
Wagon
A police patrol wagon.
Lorry
A truck with an open carriage
Wagon
A child's low, four-wheeled cart hauled by a long handle that governs the direction of the front wheels.
Lorry
(dated) A barrow or truck for shifting baggage, as at railway stations.
Wagon
A small table or tray on wheels used for serving drinks or food
A dessert wagon.
Lorry
(dated) A small cart or wagon used on the tramways in mines to carry coal or rubbish.
Wagon
Wagon The Big Dipper
Lorry
(obsolete) A large, low, horse-drawn, four-wheeled cart without sides; also, a similar wagon modified for use on railways.
Wagon
Chiefly British An open railway freight car.
Lorry
To transport by, or as if by, lorry.
Wagon
To transport or undergo transportation by wagon.
Lorry
A large low horse-drawn wagon without sides
Wagon
A heavier four-wheeled (normally horse-drawn) vehicle designed to carry goods (or sometimes people).
Lorry
A large truck designed to carry heavy loads; usually without sides
Wagon
Abbreviation of toy wagon; A child's riding toy, with the same structure as a wagon (sense 1), pulled or steered by a long handle attached to the front.
Lorry
A large motor vehicle for transporting goods by road.
The lorry driver delivered the furniture to our new house.
Wagon
(rail) A vehicle (wagon) designed to transport goods or people on railway.
Wagon
(slang) transporting]] prisoners
Wagon
; (by extension) a sport utility vehicle (SUV); any car.
Wagon
A woman of loose morals, a promiscuous woman, a slapper; (by extension) a woman regarded as obnoxious; a bitch, a cow.
Thesaurus:promiscuous woman
Wagon
(math) A kind of prefix used in de Bruijn notation.
Wagon
(slang) Buttocks.
Wagon
To load into a wagon in preparation for transportation; to transport by means of a wagon.
Wagon
To travel in a wagon.
Wagon
A wheeled carriage; a vehicle on four wheels, and usually drawn by horses; especially, one used for carrying freight or merchandise.
Wagon
A freight car on a railway.
Wagon
A chariot
Wagon
The Dipper, or Charles's Wain.
Wagon
To transport in a wagon or wagons; as, goods are wagoned from city to city.
Wagon
To wagon goods as a business; as, the man wagons between Philadelphia and its suburbs.
Wagon
Any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by a horse or tractor
Wagon
Van used by police to transport prisoners
Wagon
A group of seven bright stars in the constellation Ursa Major
Wagon
A child's four-wheeled toy cart sometimes used for coasting
Wagon
A car that has a long body and rear door with space behind rear seat
Wagon
A vehicle for transporting goods, typically on a railway.
Several wagons on the train were filled with industrial goods.
Wagon
A small cart that children play with.
He pulled his sister around the yard in a little red wagon.
FAQs
Can "wagon" refer to a child's toy?
Yes, small, pullable "wagons" are popular toys for children.
What's a "lorry" in American English?
It's generally equivalent to a truck, particularly a larger, cargo-carrying vehicle.
Does "wagon" imply a lack of motorization?
Traditionally, yes, but it can also refer to motorized vehicles like station wagons.
Can "wagon" refer to a type of car?
Yes, in modern usage, it can refer to a station wagon, a type of car.
How large is a "lorry"?
Lorries vary in size, but are generally large, motorized vehicles designed for heavy loads.
Is "lorry" used in American English?
Rarely, it's predominantly a British term equivalent to "truck" in American English.
Is "on the wagon" a phrase related to "wagon"?
Yes, it's an idiom meaning abstaining from alcohol.
What goods are transported by "lorry"?
Anything from commercial products to industrial materials.
Were "wagons" used in the American West?
Yes, they were common for transportation during the 19th century.
Are "lorries" involved in international transport?
Yes, they're essential in the logistics chains across countries.
Did pioneers use "wagons"?
Yes, they were common for transportation in the 1800s.
Is "wagon" used in British English?
It's used but may refer more to railway transport or certain types of cars.
Is "lorry" specific to the UK?
It's most common in the UK and some Commonwealth countries; the US equivalent is "truck."
Do "wagons" still have practical uses today?
Outside historical reenactments, they're more commonly toys or types of cars.
Are all trucks "lorries" in British English?
Typically, but "truck" might be used for smaller vehicles.
Can "lorry" refer to a small truck?
Generally, it refers to larger trucks, but usage can vary.
Do "lorries" have a standard size?
No, they come in various sizes for different loads.
Is "wagon" outdated?
In some contexts, but it's still used for cars and toys.
What's a "lorry park"?
An area where lorries can park, typically equipped for commercial drivers.
Are "wagons" and "carts" the same?
They're similar, but "wagon" often implies a larger size.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
