tariff

[ tar-if ]

noun

1. an official list or table showing the duties or customs imposed by a government on imports or exports.
2. the schedule or system of duties so imposed.
3. any duty or rate of duty in such a list or schedule.
4. any table of charges, as of a railroad, bus line, etc.
5. bill; cost; charge.

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to a tariff.
2. to put a valuation on according to a tariff.

tariff

/ ˈtærɪf /

noun

1. 1. a tax levied by a government on imports or occasionally exports for purposes of protection, support of the balance of payments, or the raising of revenue
   2. a system or list of such taxes
2. any schedule of prices, fees, fares, etc
3. 1. a method of charging for the supply of services, esp public services, such as gas and electricity

      block tariff

   2. a schedule of such charges
4. a bill of fare with prices listed; menu
5. the level of punishment imposed for a criminal offence

verb

1. to set a tariff on
2. to set a price on according to a schedule of tariffs

tariff

1. A government tax on imports, designed either to raise revenue or to protect domestic industry from foreign competition.

Derived Forms

• ˈtariffless, adjective

Other Words From

• tariff·less adjective
• pre·tariff noun adjective
• pro·tariff adjective
• re·tariff verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tariff¹

First recorded in 1585–95; earlier tariffa, from Italian, from Arabic taʿrīfah, derivative of ʿarrafa “to make known,” akin to ʿarafa “to know”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tariff¹

C16: from Italian tariffa, from Arabic ta`rīfa to inform

Example Sentences

In particular, economists say the former and soon-to-be-again president’s stated plans for sweeping tariffs and tax cuts could reignite inflation and significantly raise the deficit, thus putting upward pressure on home loan costs.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has proposed sweeping tariffs and large tax cuts, something experts say would likely boost inflation and the nation’s deficit — two things that typically put upward pressure on mortgage rates.

From Los Angeles Times

Higher tariffs, which Trump can enact without approval from Congress, would mean manufacturers will either pass prices onto consumers or lower their profit margins, which affects investor enthusiasm.

From Salon

If Trump follows through on his promises to impose massive tariffs and expel millions of undocumented migrants, inflation will soar.

From Salon

Trump has dodged it, saying he wouldn’t have to use military force because Xi knew he was “crazy”, and he would impose paralysing tariffs on Chinese imports if that happened.

From BBC

Related Words

• cost
• duty
• excise
• levy
• price
• rate
• tax
• toll

More About Tariff

What does tariff mean?

A tariff is a tax or duty on products that come into a country (imports) or leave it (exports), imposed by the country’s government.

A tariff is also the list of taxes a government imposes on imports and exports.

To tariff can mean to subject to a tariff.

Example: There is a high tariff on foreign music CDs, so I just stream it instead.

Where does tariff come from?

The first records of the term tariff come from the late 1500s. It ultimately comes from the Arabic ‘arrafa, meaning “to make known.” A tariff is most commonly associated with a board or chart readily available at ports and customs that lists the taxes imposed on different imports.

Tariffs are often used to try to protect industries within a country that make the same kind of products that are being imported to. By charging a tariff for an import, it is hoped that the price the customer pays for the product will be more for the imported product than for the domestic one. For example, if the United States wants to encourage its citizens to buy cars made in the US, it might impose a tariff on cars made in other countries and then imported to the US. There is a lot of debate about whether tariffs really do encourage customers to buy domestic goods.

In the same way that a chart will show tariffs on goods, a tariff can also be found at public transportation centers such as a bus or train station. These tariffs often list charges such as fares and fees for pets, as well as a variety of discounts, such as for children and veterans.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to tariff? 

• tariffless (adjective)
• pretariff (adjective, noun)
• protariff (adjective)
• retariff (verb)

What are some synonyms for tariff?

• cost
• duty
• excise
• levy
• tax

What are some words that share a root or word element with tariff? 

• tariff office

What are some words that often get used in discussing tariff?

• cost
• economy
• export
• government
• import

How is tariff used in real life?

Tariff is most commonly used in trade and economics discussions. It is a hot topic in politics from time to time, and tariffs can directly impact foreign affairs.

The Biden admin has struck a deal with European Union officials to lift some tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, resolving a bitter trade stand-off that began under Trump. https://t.co/VItceEupIv

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 30, 2021

It's a happy Diwali to the people of Punjab, thanks to people-centric policy of Congress govt – facilitating the cheapest electricity tariffs in the country.

We pledge to relentlessly strive to ease the lives of citizens across India as well.

A very #HappyDiwali to you all. pic.twitter.com/pb9QcLdDED

— Congress (@INCIndia) November 4, 2021

Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG) surprised the market with Q1 result. J.P. Morgan Chase changed the rating to Sell, as Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG) faces growth challenge from new tariff policies.

— EquityMarketPredictor (@GoldmanSachBOT) November 4, 2021

 

 

Try using tariff!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for tariff?

A. excise
B. tax
C. duty
D. refund