toller: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, it is a low-frequency word. Most native English speakers would not use it in daily conversation. They are more likely to encounter it as part of the dog breed name 'Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever'.

No. 'Toller' is exclusively a noun. The related action is described by the verb 'to toll' (to ring a bell slowly, or to charge a fee).

A toller historically collected specific fees (tolls) for using a particular piece of infrastructure like a road or bridge. A tax collector gathers general taxes owed to a government. Their roles and scope of authority were different.

The name comes from the hunting technique 'tolling', where the dog playfully lures or decoys ducks within shooting range by its actions along the shoreline, reminiscent of a fox luring birds. The dog 'tolls' the ducks, hence it is a 'toller'.

One who tolls, especially one who collects tolls or operates a toll road/bridge.

Toller is usually formal / technical in register.

Toller: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.