DictionaryexciseTax on particular goods or activities
noun

excise

A tax imposed on particular goods or activities.

The state collects an excise on every gallon of gasoline.

Etymology

Middle Dutch accijns meant a tax or duty. English adopted the fiscal word for charges on goods; its resemblance to excise meaning “cut out” does not provide the tax term’s historical explanation.

More examples

  • A federal excise tax raises the price of cigarettes.
  • The proposed excise applies to indoor tanning services.
  • Lawmakers vote to increase excises on alcohol and tobacco.

Forms

excise · excises

Similar words

tax
A broader term covering charges on income, property, and purchases.
duty
Often refers specifically to a tax on imported goods.