duty-free

adjective or adverb

ˌdü-tē-ˈfrē How to pronounce duty-free (audio)
ˌdyü-,
ˈd(y)ü-tē-ˌfrē
1
: without payment of customs duties : free from duties
imported duty-free
duty-free goods
2
: relating to or selling duty-free goods
a duty-free shop

Examples of duty-free in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The latest trend seems to be selling duty-free items more aggressively and pushing you to apply for one of their revenue-generating credit cards – both of which are likely to fall flat. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 Hainan has the world’s largest duty-free shopping mall, and the government plans to turn the entire island into a duty-free hub as early as next year. Serenitie Wang, Cnbc, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2024 Biles also sported Chicago Bears apparel, including a white mini skirt and the Balenciaga duty-free tote bag. Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024 The trade show, which ends on Thursday, is the annual meeting place for the global duty-free industry. Kevin Rozario, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for duty-free 

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duty-free was in 1689

Dictionary Entries Near duty-free

Cite this Entry

“Duty-free.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duty-free. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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