remittance

noun

re·​mit·​tance ri-ˈmi-tᵊn(t)s 

1

a

: a sum of money remitted

b

: an instrument by which money is remitted

2

: transmittal of money (as to a distant place)

Did you know?

Since the 14th century, the verb remit has afforded a variety of meanings, including "to lay aside (a mood or disposition)," "to release from the guilt or penalty of," "to submit or refer for consideration," and "to postpone or defer." It is derived from Latin mittere (meaning "to let go" or "to send"), which is also the root of the English verbs admit, commit, emit, omit, permit, submit, and transmit. Use of remittance in financial contexts referring to the release of money as payment isn't transacted until the 17th century.

Synonyms

• payment
• compensation
• pay

Examples of remittance in a Sentence

Remittance can be made by check or credit card.

she always mails in her remittance on time so she won't ever be charged a late fee on her electric bill

Recent Examples on the Web

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the average cost globally to send a remittance was 6.62%, and roughly a quarter of adults worldwide lack a bank account. —Alvin Kan, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

In the last fiscal year alone, India received over $135 billion in remittances from around the world, nearly 30 percent of which originated in the United States. —Milan Vaishnav, Foreign Affairs, 16 July 2025

In 2024, Mexicans living in the U.S. sent a record $63.2 billion home in remittances. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

In all, diaspora communities have much to offer beyond remittances. —Oludolapo Makinde, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

remit entry 1 + -ance

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing remittance

• remittance man

Rhymes for remittance

• acquittance
• admittance
• emittance
• transmittance
• pittance

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Kids Definition

remittance

noun

re·​mit·​tance ri-ˈmit-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: money sent especially in payment

2

: a sending of money (as to a distant place)

Legal Definition

remittance

noun

re·​mit·​tance ri-ˈmit-ᵊns 

1

a

: a sum of money remitted

b

: an instrument by which money is remitted

2

: transmittal of money (as to a distant place)