Taxi: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when you need a vehicle for hire in a general, everyday context. It's a standard term and understood universally.

• I need to call a taxi to get to the airport

Often used in casual or conversational settings. More prevalent in American English.

• Grab a cab and meet me at the restaurant

A more formal or traditional term. Often seen in older literature or legal contexts.

• The regulations for operating a taxicab are very strict here

Refers to any privately owned or leased vehicle. It’s used when describing personal transportation.

• I left my car in the parking lot

Refers to a traditional vehicle for hire, often flagged down on the street or booked through a central dispatch system. The term has a conventional and somewhat outdated feel compared to modern alternatives.

• I hailed a taxi after the concert to get home quickly.
• We took a taxi from the airport to our hotel.

Used to describe modern app-based services that connect passengers with drivers using their personal vehicles, commonly known for companies like Uber or Lyft. This term is contemporary and emphasizes convenience and technology.

• I used a ride-sharing service to get to the meeting on time.
• Many people prefer ride-sharing services because they are often cheaper than taxis.

A broad term that can refer to any service providing travel from one place to another, including taxis, ride-sharing, buses, trains, and other forms of transit. It is formal and general, often used in business or official contexts.

• The hotel offers a transportation service to and from the airport.
• We need to find a reliable transportation service for our guests.

Use in aviation to describe an aircraft moving on the ground under its own power.

• The plane will taxi to the runway before taking off.
• After landing, the aircraft will taxi to the gate.

Use in a broader sense when describing the act of changing position or location, not necessarily by vehicle.

• They want to move to a new city next year.
• She helped me move my furniture.

Use when talking about operating a vehicle yourself.

• I like to drive my car on weekends.
• He learned how to drive last year.