Princeton's WordNet(1.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition: 1  word(noun) a unit of language that native speakers can identify. words are the blocks from which sentences are made; he hardly said ten words all morning. 2  word(noun) a brief statement. he didn't say a word about it.
An aspect of fiscal policy. A sales tax is a tax paid to a governing body for the sales of certain goods and services. Usually laws allow (or require) the seller to collect funds for the tax from the consumer at the point of purchase. When a tax on goods or services is paid to a governing body directly by a consumer, it is usually called a use tax.
Department of Taxation and Finance. Sales and use tax. Sales tax applies to retail sales of certain tangible personal property and services. Use tax applies if you buy tangible personal property and services outside the state and use it within New York State.