# taxi

/ˈtæksi/ (US) · /tˈæksi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taxi
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. vehicle for hire

noun · CEFR A1

a car with a driver that you pay to take you from one place to another.

For teachers: a motor vehicle licensed to transport passengers in exchange for a fare, typically determined by a taximeter.

- We were running late for the play, so we decided to take a taxi to the theatre.
- The city's transport department recently increased the standard fare for a taxi, citing the rising costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance.

### 2. aircraft ground movement

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the slow movement of an airplane on the ground before it takes off or after it lands.

For teachers: the movement of an aircraft on the surface of an airport under its own power, excluding take-off and landing runs.

- The pilot began the taxi to the runway after receiving permission from the tower.
- During the long taxi from the remote terminal to the active runway, the captain provided a brief update regarding the expected flight time.

### 3. to move an aircraft on the ground

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to drive an airplane slowly on the ground.

For teachers: to move an aircraft along the ground under its own power, typically between a parking area and a runway.

- The plane had to taxi for twenty minutes because the airport was so busy.
- After landing safely in the heavy rain, the pilot was instructed to taxi toward gate twelve and wait for the ground crew.

### 4. to travel by cab

verb · CEFR B1

to go somewhere using a taxi.

For teachers: to travel or be transported by means of a taxicab.

- They taxied across the city to reach the restaurant before it closed.
- Rather than navigating the complex subway system with heavy luggage, the tourists chose to taxi directly to their hotel.

## Examples

- I will take a taxi to the airport tomorrow morning.
- It is often difficult to find a taxi in the city center during a heavy rainstorm.
- While ride-sharing apps have disrupted the industry, the traditional taxi remains a vital component of urban transit for those without smartphones or reliable internet access.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.