taxi
|tax-i|
/ˈtæk.si/
hired vehicle / move on ground
Etymology
'taxi' originates from French, specifically the word 'taxi' (a shortening of 'taxicab'), where the element 'taxi-' ultimately comes via French from Latin 'taxare' meaning 'to assess or charge' and the '-meter' part in related words like 'taximeter' comes from Greek 'metron' meaning 'measure'.
'taxi' changed from French 'taximètre' / English 'taximeter' (a device that measured fares) and the vehicle called a 'taximeter cab' or 'taxicab' in the late 19th century; the name was later shortened to the modern English word 'taxi'.
Initially it referred to the device measuring fares ('taximeter') or to the 'taximeter cab' (a cab fitted with such a device); over time the meaning shifted to the vehicle itself, the modern 'taxi' meaning a hireable passenger vehicle.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a car licensed to transport passengers in return for payment; a taxicab.
She took a taxi to the station.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a vehicle at the curb or stand waiting to be hired (often used in British English as 'taxi rank' for the waiting place).
We waited at the taxi rank outside the theater.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 07:06