Taxi vs. Cab: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
Taxi and cab are interchangeable terms referring to a vehicle for hire with a driver, intended for non-shared rides, typically metered.
Key Differences
Taxi is a term that is globally recognized and used across many countries to refer to a car that provides rides to passengers for a fare. While the term is commonly used in the United States, it has a pronounced presence in European and Asian countries. Conversely, Cab, short for "cabriolet," has a prevalent usage in the United States and some parts of Canada, encapsulating the same meaning as a taxi.
The usage of Taxi and Cab often ties to regional vernacular and local lingo. In the United Kingdom, Taxi often refers to the vehicle used for a private hire while black cabs refer to traditional London taxis. In the United States, on the other hand, both Taxi and Cab are used quite interchangeably, with Cab being slightly more colloquial in certain regions.
In practical application, there’s no distinction between a Taxi and a Cab in terms of function. Both are vehicles driven by a professional driver, used to transport a passenger or group of passengers to their destination for a fee. Both types of transport are typically equipped with meters to calculate the fare based on distance traveled or time elapsed.
In terms of etymology, Taxi derives from the taximeter, the device used to measure and display fare, often installed in for-hire vehicles. Cab, however, originates from the French word "cabriolet," a term used in the 19th century for a type of horse-drawn carriage.
Comparison Chart
Etymology
Derived from "taximeter."
Shortened from "cabriolet."
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Global Usage
Commonly used worldwide.
More common in the US.
Functionality
Provides metered rides.
Offers metered rides.
Vehicle Type
Can be cars, vans, or SUVs.
Typically cars or vans.
Colloquial Usage
Slightly formal or universal.
Often more colloquial.
Taxi and Cab Definitions
Taxi
Small, motorized, Indian transport.
We hired an auto taxi in Delhi.
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Cab
The driver’s compartment in a truck.
He climbed into the cab of his truck.
Taxi
To move an aircraft on the ground.
The plane will taxi to the runway.
Cab
An elevator in mining operations.
The workers took the cab down the shaft.
Taxi
A boat for transporting passengers.
We hired a water taxi to the island.
Cab
Short for "cabriolet."
He drove a classic 60s cab.
Taxi
A vehicle with a meter for fare.
The taxi’s meter showed a hefty fare.
Cab
A vehicle for hire with a driver.
I hailed a cab in New York.
Taxi
A taxicab.
Cab
A carriage for passengers.
We toured Central Park in a horse-drawn cab.
Taxi
To be transported by taxi.
Cab
A taxicab.
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.
Cab
The covered compartment of a heavy vehicle or machine, such as a truck or locomotive, in which the operator or driver sits.
Taxi
To transport by or as if by taxi
Taxied the children to dance class.
Taxi documents to a law office.
Cab
A one-horse vehicle for public hire.
Taxi
To cause (an aircraft) to taxi.
Cab
An ancient Hebrew unit of measure equal to about 2 liters (2.1 quarts).
Taxi
A vehicle that may be hired for single journeys by members of the public, driven by a taxi driver.
Cab
To ride or travel in a taxicab
We cabbed to the opera.
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.
Cab
To drive a taxicab
He cabs for a living.
Taxi
(South Africa) A share taxi.
Cab
Compartment at the front of a truck or train for the driver.
A cab ride
Taxi
To move an aircraft on the ground under its own power.
Taxi down the runway
Cab
Shelter at the top of an air traffic control tower or fire lookout tower.
Taxi
To travel by taxicab.
Cab
Any of several four-wheeled carriages; a cabriolet.
Taxi
Same as taxicab.
Cab
Synonym of taxi
Taxi
Any vehicle that carries passengers for a fare, as a water taxi.
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.
Taxi
A car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
Cab
An arcade cabinet, the unit in which a video game is housed in a gaming arcade.
Taxi
Travel slowly;
The plane taxied down the runway
Cab
Alternative form of CAB}}; {{clipping of; a compress library archive file.
Taxi
Ride in a taxicab
Cab
To travel by taxicab.
Taxi
A car with a driver for hire.
I took a taxi to the airport.
Cab
A kind of close carriage with two or four wheels, usually a public vehicle.
Cab
The covered part of a locomotive, in which the engineer has his station.
Cab
A Hebrew dry measure, containing a little over two (2.37) pints.
Cab
A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits
Cab
Small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage; with two seats and a folding hood
Cab
A car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
FAQs
Where does the term Taxi come from?
It's derived from the taximeter, a device to calculate fares.
Why is it called a Cab?
Cab is short for "cabriolet," historically a type of carriage.
Is Taxi used worldwide?
Yes, it's a commonly understood term globally.
Is Cab an American term?
It's widely used in the US but is understood in many English-speaking areas.
Can a Taxi be booked in advance?
Yes, taxis can usually be pre-booked.
Can I hail a Cab on the street?
Yes, in many places you can hail a cab directly.
Are all Taxis yellow?
No, taxis can be any color, but yellow is common in the US.
Are Taxi and Cab the same?
Yes, they refer to the same service but usage may vary regionally.
Can a Taxi accommodate large groups?
Some taxis, like vans, can accommodate larger groups.
How do Taxi drivers calculate fare?
Through a taximeter, which considers distance and/or time.
What is a Taxi?
A taxi is a vehicle that offers rides for a fare, typically metered.
Can I share a Cab with strangers?
Some services offer shared rides, while traditional cabs do not.
Is tipping a Cab driver customary?
In many regions like the US, yes, it is customary.
Is Taxi fare standardized?
Typically, but rates can vary by region and company.
Do Cabs always have a meter?
Most do, but some might use a fixed fare for common routes.
Do all Cabs accept credit cards?
Many do, but it’s best to check with the driver first.
Do all Taxis have a light indicator?
Many do to indicate availability, but it might vary.
Can I request a specific Cab driver?
Some services may allow requests or scheduling specific drivers.
Are Taxis and Cabs safe?
Generally, yes, though it's wise to use reputable companies.
Can Cabs refuse service?
Legally, they generally cannot unless there's a valid reason, like safety.
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.
