outlay

1 of 2

verb

out·​lay ˈau̇t-ˌlā How to pronounce outlay (audio)
ˌau̇t-ˈlā
outlaid ˈau̇t-ˌlād How to pronounce outlay (audio)
ˌau̇t-ˈlād
; outlaying

transitive verb

: to lay out (money) : expend

outlay

2 of 2

noun

out·​lay ˈau̇t-ˌlā How to pronounce outlay (audio)
1
: the act of expending
2
: expenditure, payment
outlays for national defense

Examples of outlay in a Sentence

Verb the nation had outlaid nearly 20 billion dollars on social programs at that point Noun The initial outlay for the program will be 2.4 million dollars. Maintaining a horse requires considerable outlay.
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.
Verb
Vasquez then asked if the RDA had outlaid any money for LaPorte County for shoreline development. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 Vasquez then asked if the RDA had outlaid any money for LaPorte County for shoreline development. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
Higher federal deficit The bill's provisions would increase the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion from 2026 to 2034, according to the CBO, which cited tax changes, including the extension of the 2017 tax act and its revenues and outlays for refundable credits. George Petras, USA Today, 22 May 2025 By using trade credit effectively, small businesses can delay cash outlays, thereby conserving working capital for other essential expenses or investments. Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlay

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1802, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlay was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Outlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlay. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

outlay

noun
out·​lay
ˈau̇t-ˌlā
1
: the act of spending
2
: an amount spent : payment

More from Merriam-Webster on outlay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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