English Reference
Noun

levies

n. plural-only
C1 Advanced US /ˈɫɛviz/ UK /lˈɛvɪz/ levies

n.official taxes or fees that a government or organization makes people pay. They are often used to fund specific services like education or road repairs.

n.compulsory financial charges or taxes imposed by a government or other legal authority. Often refers to specific-purpose collections rather than general income tax.


SIMPLE

The government introduced new levies on plastic packaging.

CONTEXTUAL

Local residents were unhappy about the additional levies added to their property tax bills to pay for the new stadium.

COMPLEX

Economists argue that while these environmental levies may increase short-term costs for manufacturers, they provide the necessary incentive for long-term investment in sustainable technologies.

Usage

Plural form of 'levy'; takes a plural verb. Often used in the context of trade, environment, or local government finance.

A new US report said China had moved goods through nations with lower tariffs to dodge higher levies.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Universities are under massive strain owing to funding shortfalls, which have been worsened by new limits and levies on international students.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated