rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysurchargeExtra fee
noun / verb

surcharge

SER-charj/ˈsɜːrtʃɑːrdʒ/

An extra fee added to a usual price or charge.

The receipt shows a surcharge below the usual charge.

A close-up of a simple checkout receipt showing a usual charge, a smaller extra fee added beneath it, and the increased total.
Etymology
surOld Frenchover, in addition
+chargeOld Frenchto load, burden

A surcharge was originally an additional or excessive load. As a charge became a financial burden or price, surcharge came to mean an extra amount added to the usual payment.

In context

Chris Lovett0:23
possible one percent tax surcharge and how it would be used
Sam Tyler on Surtax, School Spending

More examples

  • The airline adds a fuel surcharge to each ticket.
  • Delivery surcharges vary by location.
  • The hotel surcharges guests who check out late.

Forms

surcharge · surcharges · surcharged · surcharging

Similar words

fee
A general payment for service, not necessarily an added charge.
premium
An extra amount paid for better quality or special benefits.