toll collector: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral
Quick answer
What does “toll collector” mean?
A person employed to collect fees, known as tolls, for the use of a road, bridge, or tunnel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person employed to collect fees, known as tolls, for the use of a road, bridge, or tunnel.
Can also refer to automated systems or devices that perform the same function, though primarily denotes a human operator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in terminology; both variants use 'toll collector' similarly.
Connotations
Neutral in both; no additional connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “toll collector” in a Sentence
The toll collector on the motorwayA toll collector for the city authorityVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business contexts, refers to personnel or systems managing toll collection for revenue generation.
Academic
In academic writing, discussed in studies on transportation economics, urban planning, or labor markets.
Everyday
Common in everyday conversation when referring to paying tolls during travel or commuting.
Technical
In technical domains, may refer to automated toll collection technologies like RFID or ANPR systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toll collector”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toll collector”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toll collector”
- Using 'toll collector' to refer to the booth itself (correct term is 'toll booth').
- Misspelling as 'toll collecter'.
- Incorrectly using it as a verb, e.g., 'He toll collects' instead of 'He is a toll collector'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A toll collector is responsible for collecting fees from users of toll roads, bridges, or tunnels, often handling cash transactions and providing change.
Yes, it is commonly used in contexts involving transportation and travel, especially when discussing payment for infrastructure use, though automation is making it less frequent.
Yes, automated toll collection systems, such as electronic toll collection (ETC) using tags or cameras, are increasingly common and reduce the need for human toll collectors.
Primarily, it refers to a person, but it can be extended informally to automated systems, though terms like 'toll machine' or 'automated toll collector' are more precise for devices.
A person employed to collect fees, known as tolls, for the use of a road, bridge, or tunnel.
Toll collector is usually neutral in register.
Toll collector: in British English it is pronounced /təʊl kəˈlɛktə/, and in American English it is pronounced /toʊl kəˈlɛktər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'toll' as a fee for passage and 'collector' as someone who gathers it; together, a person who collects tolls.
Conceptual Metaphor
Gatekeeper; one who controls access by collecting payment for passage.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a toll collector?