IOU

noun

ˌī-(ˌ)ō-ˈyü 

1

: a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given as an acknowledgment of debt

2

: debt, obligation

Examples of IOU in a Sentence

I don't have any cash, so I'll have to give you an IOU.

Recent Examples on the Web

On a 2023 episode of Celebrity IOU, the Property Brothers built one into a kitchen island using marble countertops, dual bowls and a pot filler. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026

They will be delivered to those who preordered the dolls in January 2026, so Santa Claus may have to leave some IOU notes to fans across the country. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Selling bonds—essentially issuing buyers an IOU, plus interest—is a quick way for a government to raise funds. — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025

If the soldier buys $100 of groceries from a grocer and pays by check, the grocer receives 10% of a Fed IOU, which goes through the grocer’s bank. — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from the pronunciation of I owe you

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for IOU

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

IOU

noun

ˌī-(ˌ)ō-ˈyü 

: a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given to acknowledge a debt