payee

noun

pay·​ee (ˌ)pā-ˈē How to pronounce payee (audio)
: one to whom money is or is to be paid
The payee must endorse the back of the check.

Examples of payee in a Sentence

The payee must endorse the back of the check.
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.
For the 2025 tax year, the IRS requires third-party networks, such as payment apps and online marketplaces, to issue Form 1099-K if the aggregate payments received by a payee exceed $2,500, regardless of the number of transactions. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 In general, businesses must issue the forms to any payee (other than a corporation) who receives $600 or more during the year. Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 All of these use cases involve money moving from a payer (buyer) on the demand side to a payee (seller) on the supply side. Srinivas Vadhri, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 An especially poignant moment was when a close friend provided a check with the payee line left blank, demonstrating immense trust and support. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for payee

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of payee was in 1758

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Payee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payee. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

payee

noun
pay·​ee pā-ˈē How to pronounce payee (audio)
: one to whom money is paid or is to be paid

Legal Definition

payee

noun
pay·​ee ˌpā-ˈē How to pronounce payee (audio)
: a person to whom money is to be or has been paid
specifically : the person named in a bill of exchange, note, or check as the one to whom the amount is directed to be paid compare drawee, drawer

More from Merriam-Webster on payee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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