debt service

noun

: the amount of interest and sinking fund payments due annually on long-term debt

Examples of debt service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Douglas said the changes to debt service and new construction could penalize districts that are growing quickly, such as Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026 Sri Lanka is seeking to obtain $17 billion in debt service relief. ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026 The third might buy time but at the cost of leaving the market undersupplied with term credit, and with the fundamental fiscal problem still worsening as deficits compound and debt service consumes an ever-larger share of federal outlays. Daniel J. Arbess, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 The price is too high and requires debt service payments that extend too far and impose too much risk. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debt service

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of debt service was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Debt service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debt%20service. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

debt service

noun
: the amount of interest and principal payments due annually on long-term debt
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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