payment

noun

pay·​ment ˈpā-mənt 

1

: the act of paying

2

: something that is paid : pay

3

: requital

Synonyms of payment

• paying

Examples of payment in a Sentence

Payment is due on the first of every month.

Prompt payment of your bill ensures that you will not have to pay any additional fees.

We require payment in advance for all goods purchased.

a payment plan to reduce your debt

cash, credit cards, and other methods of payment

Our records show that we received a payment of $215.36 in May.

Buy this product for three easy payments of only $19.95!

It took me five years to pay off the car, but I never missed a payment.

making payments on a loan

The credit card company just increased the penalty on late payments.

Recent Examples on the Web

The language suggests the deal involves obligations that have yet to be fulfilled, potentially including a financial payment. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026

Then add up essential expenses, such as housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, and debt payments. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026

Energy assistance funds typically are paid out in three payments — a base level of $355 to $705, depending on need, followed by two crisis payments of up to $430 each. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Grab began as a ride-hailing service and later expanded into food delivery, digital payments and business solutions for local small businesses. — Kristie Lu Stout, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing payment

• balloon payment
• co-payment
• down payment
• in payment
• on payment of
• stop payment
• transfer payment

Rhymes for payment

• claimant
• copayment
• embayment
• nonpayment
• prepayment
• repayment
• overpayment
• underpayment

Kids Definition

payment

noun

pay·​ment ˈpā-mənt 

1

: the act of paying

2

: money given to pay a debt

3

: pay entry 2 sense 2