levy

noun

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\ ˈle-vē

plural levies

Definition of levy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the imposition or collection of an assessment The government imposed a levy on gasoline.

b : an amount levied

2a : the enlistment or conscription of men for military service

b : troops raised by levy turned green levies into fighting soldiers

levy

verb

levied; levying

Definition of levy (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to impose or collect by legal authority levy a tax

b : to require by authority

2 : to enlist or conscript for military service

3 : to carry on (war) : wage

intransitive verb

: to seize property

Other Words from levy Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about levy

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Examples of levy in a Sentence

Noun the legislators approved a new levy on imported cattle to help protect American ranchers Verb They levied a tax on imports. The government will levy a fine on the company.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Approval of a contract will drive budget discussions and levies during the lifetime of the contract. — Chuck Fieldman, chicagotribune.com, "District 181 officials won’t release details of new teachers’ contract until board approves it," 12 Nov. 2019 But that does not justify limitless redistribution or punitive levies. — The Economist, "Billionaires are only rarely policy failures," 9 Nov. 2019 Trump is believed likely to abandon plans to impose import levies starting December 15 on an additional $160 billion in products, including many popular consumer items such as smartphones and laptop computers. — David J. Lynch, Anchorage Daily News, "China, U.S. make progress in trade talks, raising hopes of a breakthrough," 7 Nov. 2019 The new plan would provide a 20% discount to EZ Pass holders and levy only one toll per day for vehicles passing through a gantry. — Rick Green, courant.com, "Leaked $21B transportation plan shows Lamont aims to fix highway bottlenecks, financed through federal borrowing and some tolls," 6 Nov. 2019 In addition, six east metro school districts are asking taxpayers for added funding through local levy referendums. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, "Confused about what’s on Tuesday’s ballot? Start here.," 5 Nov. 2019 Investing not just in levies, but also in flood-resistant homes, and moving local infrastructure can make high-risk areas more resilient. — Paola Rosa-aquino, The New Republic, "The False Comfort of Higher Seawalls," 29 Oct. 2019 The name of the business attached to the levy notice is the same as one that previously did business in La Cañada, but the reporting deputy did not know whether or not there was a connection to the two. — La Cañada Valley Sun, "Crime Report: 2 burglars surprised by resident in early afternoon break-in attempt," 23 Oct. 2019 But the government acknowledges there will be new tariffs on 60% of British exports to the EU, including levies of more than 50% on beef and lamb. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "UK says chances of Brexit deal slim; EU chides ‘blame game’," 8 Oct. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb On top of that, many also levy some sort of sales, gross receipts or excise tax. — Briana Reilly, chicagotribune.com, "New report finds legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin unlikely to generate large revenues," 6 Nov. 2019 Earlier, two Democrats levied mean-spirited and deeply personal criticism at Stewart. — Daniela Altimari, courant.com, "The Trump factor, a generational shift and an unusually ugly tone: 5 things to watch for on Election Day in Connecticut," 3 Nov. 2019 In March, the state Pollution Control Agency levied $7 million in pollution penalties against Water Gremlin. — Bob Shaw, Twin Cities, "Troubled Water Gremlin factory will reopen Tuesday," 1 Nov. 2019 Gambling regulators in Massachusetts levied a $35 million fine on the company in April but allowed it to keep a casino license for a Boston-area resort. — Fox News, "Steve Wynn faces ban from casino industry after Nevada gambling regulators file complaint," 16 Oct. 2019 Gambling regulators in Massachusetts levied a $35 million fine on the company in April but allowed it to keep a casino license for its Everett, Mass., resort. — BostonGlobe.com, "WASHINGTON — Nevada gaming regulators are moving to ban Steve Wynn, the casino mogul and father of the modern Las Vegas Strip who’s been accused of a sexually harassing several of his employees.," 16 Oct. 2019 Trump has neither levied war on the nation nor joined with any enemy engaged in doing so. — Dan Mclaughlin, National Review, "You Can’t Ignore Politics in Impeachment," 11 Oct. 2019 British Airways does not levy close-in booking fees (an up-charge for awards booked 21 days or less in advance of travel), either. — Eric Rosen, Condé Nast Traveler, "5 International Frequent Flier Programs You Need to Join," 1 Oct. 2019 The Special Peace Tribunal, perhaps the most contentious part of the accord, will levy largely symbolic sanctions aimed at making reparations. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Colombia ex-rebels testify on kidnappings at peace tribunal," 23 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'levy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

16 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Levy.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/levied. Accessed 22 November 2019.

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More Definitions for levy

levy

noun

Financial Definition of levy

What It Is

A levy is the seizure of property in order to repay debt. In the U.S., the IRS has the authority to levy. (For everybody else, this is called foreclosure or repossession.)

How It Works

Let’s assume John Doe owns a house in the country and hasn't filed a tax return for five years. The IRS catches up to him and sends him a $45,000 tax bill. John has fallen on hard times lately, and is unable to pay the taxes. Accordingly, the IRS levies the house.

Levies can be on property, wages, bank accounts or anything else of value. A levy is not the same as a lien. A levy actually takes the property; a lien just places a restriction on the sale or transfer of the property.

Why It Matters

Taxing authorities are always anxious to get their money, but they must give written notice to a taxpayer before levying a taxpayer's assets. States also have the authority to impose levies for the lack of payment of state income taxes.

Source: Investing Answers

levy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of levy

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an amount of money that must be paid and that is collected by a government or other authority

levy

verb

English Language Learners Definition of levy (Entry 2 of 2)

: to use legal authority to demand and collect (a fine, a tax, etc.)

See the full definition for levy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

levy

noun

\ ˈle-vē

plural levies

Kids Definition of levy

(Entry 1 of 2)

: something (as taxes) collected by authority of the law

levy

verb

levied; levying

Kids Definition of levy (Entry 2 of 2)

: to collect legally levy taxes

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levy

noun

\ ˈle-vē

plural levies

Legal Definition of levy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an act of levying: as

a : the imposition or collection of a tax

b : the seizure according to a writ of execution of real or personal property in a judgment debtor's possession to satisfy a judgment debt

2 : an amount levied : tax providing for a levy of 3% on income up to $10,000— D. Q. Posin

levy

verb

levied; levying

Legal Definition of levy (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to impose or collect (as a tax or fine) with authority allow it to levy stiffer penalties for some safety violations — National Law Journal

2 : to enforce or carry into effect (a writ of execution) — compare attach, garnish

intransitive verb

: to enforce a writ of execution or attachment specifically : to make a seizure of real or personal property in a judgment debtor's possession they might as a last resort levy on his merchandise — J. J. White and R. S. Summers

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