pay dirt

noun

1
: earth or ore that yields a profit to a miner
2
: a useful or remunerative discovery or object

Examples of pay dirt 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.
Henry had pass rusher DJ Johnson on his heels, as the tight end ran 31-yards to pay dirt with cornerback Jaycee Horn also trailing. Mike Kaye september 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025 Jordan still received most of the carries in the first quarter and reached pay dirt on USC’s next possession to even the game at 7, putting his head down and barreling into the end zone from the 1-yard line. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 The hosts punted on their next possession and Mounds View again drove for pay dirt. Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025 While many people come to Austin seeking pay dirt, Richard wanted to run a business that was, above all else, founded on community. Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pay dirt

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pay dirt was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Pay dirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20dirt. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pay dirt

noun
1
: earth or ore that produces a profit for a miner
2
: a useful or profitable discovery or object

More from Merriam-Webster on pay dirt

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