Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device in a taxi that calculates and displays the fare: A taximeter is a meter installed in a taxi that automatically calculates the fare based on the distance traveled and/or time elapsed during the ride.

Usage

• The taximeter is the primary device for determining the cost of a taxi journey. It starts running (often when a flag is lowered or a button is pressed) and continues until the end of the trip, displaying the total fare.
• Example: "The driver started the taximeter as soon as we pulled away from the curb."
• Example: "Always check that the taximeter is running to ensure you are charged the correct fare."

Advanced Usage

• "To be on the meter": Refers to a taxi journey where the taximeter is being used to calculate the fare, as opposed to a pre-negotiated flat rate.
  • Example: "Is this ride on the meter, or do you have a fixed price to the airport?"
• "The meter is running": A phrase indicating that time is being counted and charges are accruing, often used literally for taxis or figuratively in other contexts (like billing for professional services).
  • Example (literal): "Hurry up, the taximeter is running while we're stuck in traffic."

Variants and Related Words

• Meter (n): A more general term for any device that measures and displays a quantity (e.g., parking meter, gas meter). In the context of transportation, "meter" is often used interchangeably with "taximeter."
  • Example: "The cab's meter showed a fare of twenty dollars."
• Fare meter (n): A synonym for taximeter, explicitly highlighting its function of measuring fare.

Synonyms

• Fare meter: A device that measures and indicates the fare.
• Cab meter: A meter in a cab (taxi).

Notes on Meaning

• The taximeter's calculation is typically based on a combination of a base fee (initial charge), a rate per distance unit (e.g., per mile or kilometer), and sometimes a rate for waiting time or slow traffic. It is a standardized tool to ensure transparent pricing for taxi services.

Noun

1. a meter in a taxi that registers the fare (based on the length of the ride)