Carton vs. Cartoon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 17, 2023
A Carton is a container made of paperboard or cardboard, while a Cartoon is a humorous or satirical drawing or animated show.
Difference Between Carton and Cartoon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Carton is typically used for packaging, made from various materials like paperboard or plastic. Conversely, a Cartoon is a form of visual art, often humorous or satirical, found in publications or as animated shows.
When you buy eggs or juice, they often come in a Carton. On the other hand, you might watch a Cartoon on television or read one in a newspaper.
The word Carton derives from the concept of containment, designed to hold and protect items. In contrast, Cartoon has its roots in art and entertainment, offering visual commentary or plain amusement.
Cartons can vary in size, depending on their purpose, from small milk cartons to larger boxes for electronics. Cartoons, however, range from single-panel drawings in newspapers to multi-episode animated series.
In daily use, you might recycle a Carton after using its contents, while you'd share a humorous Cartoon with a friend or recall a childhood Cartoon show fondly.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Packaging
Visual art or entertainment
Medium
Paperboard, cardboard, plastic
Paper, digital media, animation
Origins
Derived from containment
Derived from art and humor
Varieties
Different sizes and materials
Single-panel, comic strips, animated series
Interactions
Physical handling, opening, and discarding
Viewing, reading, watching
Compare with Definitions
Carton
Made of paperboard or cardboard.
The milk Carton was empty.
Cartoon
Can be a single-panel or strip.
She chuckled at the single-panel Cartoon about cats.
Carton
Used for packaging.
The device came in a sturdy Carton.
Cartoon
A satirical visual commentary.
The political Cartoon caused quite a stir.
Carton
Often recyclable.
He put the empty Carton in the recycling bin.
Cartoon
A humorous drawing.
The daily newspaper featured a hilarious Cartoon.
Carton
Can be sealed for protection.
The juice Carton had a protective seal.
Cartoon
An animated television show.
Children love watching Saturday morning Cartoons.
Carton
A carton is a box or container usually made of liquid packaging board, paperboard and sometimes of corrugated fiberboard. Many types of cartons are used in packaging.
Cartoon
A cartoon is a type of illustration that is typically drawn, sometimes animated, in an unrealistic or semi-realistic style. The specific meaning has evolved over time, but the modern usage usually refers to either: an image or series of images intended for satire, caricature, or humor; or a motion picture that relies on a sequence of illustrations for its animation.
Carton
A small, light box or container in which drinks or foodstuffs are packaged
A carton of milk
Cartoon
A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.
Carton
Any of various containers made from cardboard or coated paper
Cans packed in cartons.
A milk carton.
Cartoon
A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically
A political cartoon.
Carton
The contents of a carton
Dyed the whole carton of eggs.
Cartoon
A preliminary sketch similar in size to the work, such as a fresco, that is to be copied from it.
Carton
To place (something) in a carton.
Cartoon
A usually short, animated movie or television program.
Carton
An inexpensive, disposable box-like container fashioned from either paper, paper with wax-covering (wax paper), or other lightweight material.
A carton of milk or eggs
Cartoon
An animated character in a movie or television program.
Carton
A pack of cigarettes, usually ten, wrapped in cellophane or packed in a light cardboard box.
Cartoon
A comic strip.
Carton
(Australia) A cardboard box that holds (usually 24) beer bottles or cans.
Cartoon
A ridiculously oversimplified or stereotypical representation
Criticized the actor's portrayal of Jefferson as a historically inaccurate cartoon.
Carton
(archaic) A kind of thin pasteboard.
Cartoon
To draw a humorous or satirical representation of; caricature.
Carton
(archaic) A small disc within the bullseye of a target.
Cartoon
To make humorous or satirical drawings.
Carton
(archaic) A shot that strikes this disc.
Cartoon
(comics) A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.
Carton
To put in a carton.
Cartoon
(comics) A drawing satirising current public figures.
Carton
Pasteboard for paper boxes; also, a pasteboard box.
Cartoon
(arts) An artist's preliminary sketch.
Carton
The quantity contained in a carton
Cartoon
(arts) A full-sized drawing that serves as the template for a fresco, a tapestry, etc.
Carton
A box made of cardboard; opens by flaps on top
Cartoon
(animation) An animated piece of film which is often but not exclusively humorous.
Carton
A light box or container.
She placed the cookies in a Carton.
Cartoon
A diagram in a scientific concept.
Cartoon
To draw a cartoon, a humorous drawing.
Cartoon
(arts) To make a preliminary sketch.
Cartoon
A design or study drawn of the full size, to serve as a model for transferring or copying; - used in the making of mosaics, tapestries, fresco pantings and the like; as, the cartoons of Raphael.
Cartoon
A large pictorial sketch, as in a journal or magazine; esp. a pictorial caricature; as, the cartoons of "Puck."
Cartoon
Same as comic strip.
Cartoon
A motion picture consisting of a series of frames, each being a photograph of a drawing rather than a frame produced by filming a scene of true action, and in which the objects are displaced slightly in succeeding frames so as to give the appearance of motion when projected as a motion picture on the screen. The types of characters portrayed in such films are often similar or identical to those in a comic strip.
Cartoon
A humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
Cartoon
A film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
Cartoon
Draw cartoons of
Cartoon
Sometimes used for storyboarding.
The director used Cartoons to outline the movie scenes.
Common Curiosities
Where can you usually find Cartoons?
Cartoons can be found in newspapers, magazines, and as animated TV shows or movies.
What material is a Carton usually made of?
A Carton is typically made of paperboard, cardboard, or sometimes plastic.
What's a common use for a Carton?
Cartons are commonly used for packaging products like milk, eggs, or cereals.
How are Cartons typically sealed?
Cartons can be sealed using glue, tape, or other methods depending on the design.
Are all Cartons recyclable?
While many Cartons are recyclable, it depends on the material and local recycling guidelines.
Is a Carton always a box?
While many Cartons are box-shaped, they can come in various forms, like tubes or cylinders.
Can Cartoons be educational?
Yes, some Cartoons are designed to be educational, especially for children.
Are Cartons and Cartoons etymologically related?
No, their origins are different, with Carton related to containment and Cartoon to art and humor.
Is a Cartoon always humorous?
While many Cartoons are humorous, some can be satirical or serious, especially in political commentary.
Do Cartoons always have text?
No, some Cartoons are wordless, relying solely on visuals for the message or humor.
What's the primary purpose of a Cartoon in a newspaper?
In newspapers, Cartoons often provide humor or commentary on current events or societal issues.
How long have Cartoons been around?
Cartoons, in some form, have been around for centuries, but modern-style Cartoons developed in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Can you drink directly from a Carton?
Yes, some beverage Cartons are designed to drink from directly, like juice boxes.
Can a Carton be reused?
Yes, many Cartons can be reused if they are in good condition.
Are animated movies considered Cartoons?
Yes, animated movies are a form of Cartoon, especially if they follow the style and humor typical of Cartoons.
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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.
