taxi

Definition

A vehicle that may be hired for single journeys by members of the public, particularly one with an automated meter to calculate the fare.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• ""Taxi," he called. And when one pulled up to the curb with screeching brakes he ordered, "The nearest restaurant.""
• "[Sobbing uncontrollably] I thought I could make it work between us because you looked a bit like a man. TAXI!"
• "Capt. Dawes and Bellairs were out with the Deperdussin taxi, and also with the brevet machine, rolling."