levy
Levy (verb) means to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge. Example: “The government decided to levy a new tax on sugary drinks.”
How to Use Levy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially demand and collect money (like a tax) — or, as a noun, the tax or charge itself.
Don't confuse with "levee" (a river embankment) — they sound alike but are unrelated in meaning.
Word Forms
levied past tense, levies plural, levies plural, levies singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The government decided to _____ a new tax on sugary drinks.
Etymology
From Old French levee, from lever ("to raise"), from Latin levare ("to raise, lift").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for levy
See all rhymes for levy →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “levy” mean?
The word “levy” means to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge. In plain terms, to officially demand and collect money (like a tax) — or, as a noun, the tax or charge itself.
How do you pronounce “levy”?
“Levy” is pronounced LEH-vee (/ˈlɛ.vi/ in IPA).
How do you use “levy” in a sentence?
Here is “levy” used in a sentence: “The government decided to levy a new tax on sugary drinks.”
What part of speech is “levy”?
Depending on how it is used, “levy” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “levy” come from?
The word “levy” comes from Latin. From Old French levee, from lever ("to raise"), from Latin levare ("to raise, lift").
Is “levy” a common word?
“Levy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “levy” have?
“Levy” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge.
What is the difference between a levy and a tax?
A levy is a broader term for any compulsory payment officially imposed and collected, such as a tax, fine, or other charge, while tax specifically refers to a payment collected by a government to fund public services. All taxes can be described as levies, but not all levies are necessarily called taxes, such as a special fine or charge.
How is levy used as a verb?
As a verb, levy means to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge, as in 'the government will levy a new tariff.' It can also mean to call up people for military service, as in raising a levy of troops.
What does levy mean in a military context?
In a military context, a levy refers to a body of troops raised by conscription, and levy as a verb can mean to call up people for military service. This usage is historical, often associated with earlier periods when armies were assembled through compulsory enlistment.
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