often attributive
1
a
: a charge usually of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes
b
: a sum levied on members of an organization to defray expenses
2
: a heavy demand
taxed; taxing; taxes
1
: to levy a tax on
2
: to make onerous and rigorous demands on
the job taxed her strength
4
: to assess or determine judicially the amount of (costs in a court action)
5
obsolete
: to enter (a name) in a list
there went out a decree … that all the world should be taxed—
Luke 2:1 (King James Version)
Luke 2:1 (King James Version)
taxer
noun
Examples of tax in a Sentence
Noun
The decision was made to raise taxes.
He was accused of evading taxes.
What was your income before taxes?
What is the amount of tax to be paid?
What was your income before tax?
Verb
He believes in taxing the rich to give to the poor.
You are taxed according to your income.
puzzles that tax your brain
Recent Examples on the Web
Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
The report’s blaring message is that these subsidies, tax incentives, permitting and other policies have largely failed to adapt to the climate targets nations have adopted.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Instead of a quick resolution, Shane now faces months or years of contentious and emotionally taxing litigation in court.
—John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tax
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Noun
Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $127 (plus tax).
—Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
The report’s blaring message is that these subsidies, tax incentives, permitting and other policies have largely failed to adapt to the climate targets nations have adopted.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
The push for safe injection sites comes on the heels of a packed City Council hearing on how Mass and Cass spillover is taxing neighborhoods earlier this month.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Instead of a quick resolution, Shane now faces months or years of contentious and emotionally taxing litigation in court.
—John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tax
Cite this Entry
“Tax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tax. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tax
2 of 2 noun1
: a charge usually of money set by authority on persons or property for public purposes
2
: something (as an effort or duty) that makes heavy demands : strain
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