tariff

1 of 2

noun

tar·​iff ˈter-əf How to pronounce tariff (audio)
ˈta-rəf
Synonyms of tariff
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
: price, charge

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
Canada has been pushing back with tariffs of its own, but perhaps the most effective tool has been the ban on American booze enacted last year, which a new survey shows wide support for. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026 The tariff shortfall compounds a budget picture that was already deteriorating. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
Trump on Wednesday also demanded lawmakers amend a Russia sanctions bill to give him authority to tariff Iran. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 July 2026 Goods that were loaded onto ships before the new levies take effect will not be tariffed, the senior administration officials said, nor will certain imports like oil, gas, fertilizer, and cork. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 23 July 2026 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

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tariff was in 1592

Phrases Containing tariff

Rhymes for tariff

See All Rhymes for tariff

Browse Nearby Words

Tarifa, Cape
tariff
tariffless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tariff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tariff. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on tariff

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tariff

Nglish: Translation of tariff for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tariff

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