Toll

/toʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A charge payable to use a bridge or road.

The toll for crossing the bridge was unexpectedly high.

The sound of a bell, especially when rung slowly at regular intervals.

The toll of the church bells signaled the start of the service.

The amount of loss or damage resulting from a particular event.

The storm took a heavy toll on the coastal communities.

verb

To impose a charge or fee.

The city plans to toll vehicles entering the downtown area to reduce traffic.

To ring a bell, especially to announce or mark time.

The town will toll the bell at noon.

Middle English: from Old English 'talla', of Germanic origin.

toll road

A road that requires payment to use.

toll booth

A structure at which tolls are collected.

take a toll

To cause damage or loss, especially emotionally or physically.

fee

A payment made for professional advice or services.

charge

The price asked for goods or services.

To toll like a church bell in a figurative sense.

You can hear the city toll with the sounds of life.

To pay the price for one's actions.

He found out that living fast would eventually toll on him.