tariff

1 of 2

noun

tar·​iff ˈter-əf How to pronounce tariff (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If the tariffs are simply a negotiating tool, as some tariff proponents say, then universal tariffs are untenable. The Editors, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024 Analysts at firms like Deutsche Bank warn that incoming Trump-era policies, such as inflationary tariffs, could stall further rate reductions. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
And if every country is tariffed already, then threatening tariffs on specific countries for specific behaviors means less. The Editors, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024 For their part, experts and business groups are clear that tariffs wold lift prices. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tariff 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tariff was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near tariff

Cite this Entry

“Tariff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tariff. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce tariff (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!