Taxicab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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taxicab

[หˆtaksikab ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

A taxicab is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice. This mode of transportation is convenient for those who prefer a direct and personalized service.

Synonyms

cab, taxi, taxi cab.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taxicab

Formally used in written English and in professional settings. It often conveys a sense of vintage or old-fashioned communication.

  • The city regulations for taxicab drivers have been updated.
  • He hailed a taxicab to get to the meeting on time.
taxi

Widely used in both formal and informal situations. It is the most common term for this type of vehicle.

  • They took a taxi to the airport.
  • You can easily book a taxi using an app.
cab

Casual and commonly used in everyday conversations. Suitable when speaking informally or in casual writing.

  • We should call a cab to go to the restaurant.
  • I saw him getting into a cab near the mall.
taxi cab

Casual, similar to 'taxi'. Often used in spoken English and when emphasizing both the terms 'taxi' and 'cab' together.

  • We flagged down a taxi cab after the concert.
  • You can find a taxi cab stand near the station.

Examples of usage

  • I hailed a taxicab to take me to the airport.
  • The taxicab driver knew all the shortcuts in the city.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematics, a taxicab number is a positive integer that can be expressed as the sum of two positive cubes in more than one way. The name derives from the idea of a taxicab navigating the streets of a city by moving a given number of blocks north, south, east, or west.

Synonyms

taxicab number.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taxicab

Less commonly used and somewhat formal or technical term. It can appear in official documents, legal contexts, or older literature.

  • The new regulations require every taxicab to have a GPS tracker.
  • He stepped out of the taxicab and paid the fare.

Examples of usage

  • The number 1729 is a taxicab number, as it can be expressed as the sum of two cubes in two different ways.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Transportation History

  • The first motorized taxicabs appeared in Paris in 1899, marking a significant shift from horse-drawn transportation.
  • New York City introduced the taxicab medallion system in 1937 to regulate taxi operations, a model adopted by many cities worldwide.

Cultural Significance

  • Taxicabs often symbolize urban life, representing freedom of movement and accessibility in bustling city environments.
  • They have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, showcasing their importance as a means of transportation in metropolitan areas.

Technology Impact

  • Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed the taxi industry by offering convenience and competitive pricing.
  • Electric and autonomous taxis are emerging trends in the industry, promising to reshape the future of urban transportation.

Psychology of Transportation

  • Using a taxicab can evoke feelings of comfort and security, as it provides personal space and a direct route to a destination.
  • Research shows people often feel more relaxed and less stressed while using taxis compared to public transportation.

Origin of 'taxicab'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'taxicab' combines 'taxi' from 'taximeter' (a device measuring distance) and 'cab' from 'cabriolet', a type of horse-drawn carriage.
  • The first recorded use of the term 'taxicab' in English was in 1907, reflecting the expansion of paid transportation services.

The term 'taxicab' originated from the French word 'taximรจtre', which was derived from the German word 'Taxameter'. The concept of a taxicab as a hired vehicle for transportation dates back to the early 17th century in London, where horse-drawn carriages were used for hire. The modern taxicab as we know it today, with metered fares and licensed drivers, became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.