: a regular day on which wages are paid

Examples of payday in a Sentence

Is this Friday a payday?
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.
Williams has kept an eye on the defensive tackle market, especially after Carter’s big payday. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 The entry of video platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Tubi into a still-frothy marketplace of audio distributors (including Spotify, SiriusXM and Amazon) have pushed paydays into territory once reserved for movie stars. Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The SpaceX deal provided a giant payday for these underwriters. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 July 2026 News of the signing immediately drew suspicion from league decision-makers, as such a payday for Trent did not align with the free-agent market, his previous contracts and his production last season. Eric Nehm, New York Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for payday

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of payday was in 1529

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Cite this Entry

“Payday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payday. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a regular day on which wages are paid
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