duty-free

adjective or adverb

ˌdü-tē-ˈfrē How to pronounce duty-free (audio)
ˌdyü-, 
ˈd(y)ü-tē-ˌfrē
1
: without payment of customs duties : free from duties
imported duty-free
duty-free goods
2
: relating to or selling duty-free goods
a duty-free shop

Examples of duty-free 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.
For North American business leaders relying on the trade pact, which provides cross-border duty-free access across three markets, USMCA represents a critical source of stability and the upheaval is undoubtedly unwelcome. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 In July, the European Union ended its own version of the de minimis exemption, which had allowed packages valued under 150 euros (US$173) to enter into the territory duty-free. — Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Firestar operated a large factory inside Surat’s Special Economic Zone, a duty-free enclave that allowed the company to cut, polish and manufacture jewelry for export markets. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 Shopping on a cruise ship used to mean logo T-shirts and duty-free perfume. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for duty-free

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duty-free was in 1689

Rhymes for duty-free

See All Rhymes for duty-free

Browse Nearby Words

duty bound
duty-free
duty mark
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Duty-free.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duty-free. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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