# levies

/ˈɫɛviz/ (US) · /lˈɛvɪz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/levies
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- The government introduced new levies on plastic packaging.
- Local residents were unhappy about the additional levies added to their property tax bills to pay for the new stadium.
- 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 notes

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

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