pay down

verb

paid down; paying down; pays down

transitive verb

: to reduce (a debt) by repaying in part

Examples of pay down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay down debts. — Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

But entertainment spending shouldn't come at the expense of financial goals, such as paying down debt or saving for retirement, says Andrew Lendnal, head of financial wellness at Wealthspire, a wealth management firm. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

His plan calls for stopping new borrowing, paying down the toll authority’s existing debt and ultimately eliminating tolls. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

The report also notes that the combined company would face significant pressure to reduce costs in order to pay down debt, which could entail moving production out of Los Angeles and consolidating slates. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pay down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown