taxi
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a car with a driver that you pay to take you from one place to another.
n.a motor vehicle licensed to transport passengers in exchange for a fare, typically determined by a taximeter.
Simple“We were running late for the play, so we decided to take a taxi to the theatre.”
In context“The city's transport department recently increased the standard fare for a taxi, citing the rising costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance.”
Synonymscabtaxicab - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the slow movement of an airplane on the ground before it takes off or after it lands.
n.the movement of an aircraft on the surface of an airport under its own power, excluding take-off and landing runs.
Simple“The pilot began the taxi to the runway after receiving permission from the tower.”
In context“During the long taxi from the remote terminal to the active runway, the captain provided a brief update regarding the expected flight time.”
Synonymsground movementAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to drive an airplane slowly on the ground.
v.to move an aircraft along the ground under its own power, typically between a parking area and a runway.
Simple“The plane had to taxi for twenty minutes because the airport was so busy.”
In context“After landing safely in the heavy rain, the pilot was instructed to taxi toward gate twelve and wait for the ground crew.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to go somewhere using a taxi.
v.to travel or be transported by means of a taxicab.
Simple“They taxied across the city to reach the restaurant before it closed.”
In context“Rather than navigating the complex subway system with heavy luggage, the tourists chose to taxi directly to their hotel.”
Synonymstake a cab
Usage taxi drivers · taxi driver
Shortened from taximeter cab, taximeter (“automatic meter that records distance and fare”) from French taximètre, from German Taxameter (whence also English taxameter), coined from Medieval Latin taxa (“tax, charge”). More at tax, task. The aviation sense originally derived for a slang term for training aircraft used for practicing ground operations, which were said to drive around the airfield like a taxicab, and subsequently applied to all aircraft ground movements.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.