tariff

1 of 2

noun

tar·​iff ˈter-əf 

ˈta-rəf

1

a

: a schedule of duties imposed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods

b

: a duty or rate of duty imposed in such a schedule

2

: a schedule of rates or charges of a business or a public utility

3

: price, charge

tariff

2 of 2

verb

tariffed; tariffing; tariffs

transitive verb

: to subject to a tariff

Examples of tariff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Taiwanese policy experts fear that this lack of access to the president will make renegotiating the tariffs impossible. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025

Prominent global automakers showcased their latest models at the Munich car show, including new EVs and lower-cost vehicles, as Europe's auto sector faces crises ranging from tariff hikes to rising costs and rivalry with Chinese firms on their home turf. —Bernadette Baum, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Verb

If tariffed French wine becomes more expensive, consumers may reduce their consumption, or substitute California wine. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

If the ruling is upheld, just 16% of imports would be tariffed. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian tariffa, from Arabic taʽrīf notification

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tariff

• protective tariff
• revenue tariff

Rhymes for tariff

• sherif
• sheriff
• nontariff

Kids Definition

tariff

noun

tar·​iff

ˈtar-əf

1

a

: a list of taxes placed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods

b

: a tax or rate of tax set up in a tariff list

2

: a list of rates or charges of a business or public service company

Legal Definition

tariff

noun

tar·​iff ˈtar-əf 

1

a

: a schedule of duties imposed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods

b

: a duty or rate of duty imposed in such a schedule

2

: a document filed with the appropriate government agency that sets forth the rates, charges, and other provisions pertaining to services furnished by a business (as a carrier) or public utility

Etymology

Noun

Italian tariffa, from Arabic taʽrīf notification