levy

¹

[ lev-ee ]

noun

, plural lev·ies.

1. an imposing or collecting, as of a tax, by authority or force.
2. the amount owed or collected.
3. the conscription of troops.
4. the troops conscripted.

verb (used with object)

, lev·ied, lev·y·ing.

1. to impose (a tax):

   to levy a duty on imports.

2. to conscript (troops).

   Synonyms: enlist, draft

3. to start or wage (war).

verb (used without object)

, lev·ied, lev·y·ing.

1. to seize or attach property by judicial order.

Levy

²

[ lee-vee, lev-ee lee-vee, -vahy ]

noun

1. Uriah Phillips, 1792–1862, U.S. naval commander.
2. a male given name.

levy

/ ˈlɛvɪ /

verb

1. to impose and collect (a tax, tariff, fine, etc)
2. to conscript troops for service
3. to seize or attach (property) in accordance with the judgment of a court

noun

1. 1. the act of imposing and collecting a tax, tariff, etc
   2. the money so raised
2. 1. the conscription of troops for service
   2. a person conscripted in this way

Derived Forms

• ˈlevier, noun

Other Words From

• re·lev·y verb (used with object) relevied relevying

Word History and Origins

Origin of levy¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English leve(e), from Middle French, noun use of feminine past participle of lever “to raise,” from Latin levāre, akin to levis “light”; levee ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of levy¹

C15: from Old French levée a raising, from lever, from Latin levāre to raise

Example Sentences

In addition, from October 2025 a new packaging levy comes into force.

From BBC

Hence the competition levies a physiological toll linked to mutant bacteria with resistance.

From Science Daily

Under the plans councils will be given the power to introduce a small "visitor levy" to raise money.

From BBC

In the recent Budget, Labour raised the levy to 38% - meaning the total tax rate on the companies is now 78% - and extended it by a further year.

From BBC

Tenants would, however, be required to contribute to the tax rolls by an unspecified amount through a “possessory interest tax” that can be levied on private companies leasing public buildings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burden
• duty
• excise
• fee
• tariff