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
The bill grants Trump sweeping new tariff authorities that some lawmakers fear could be used to punish allies rather than foes. — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 In the northeastern rural town of Robinson, Kansas, Jack Geiger, a cattleman running as an independent for the state House of Representatives, also expressed disappointment with the decision to ease tariffs on beef imports. — Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Carney said about $28 billion worth of goods would be tariffed. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 Navarro said that when an importer has been found to have falsified the origins of a good, its imports can be retroactively tariffed going back roughly a year. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tariff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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