payment

noun

pay·​ment ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce payment (audio)
Synonyms of paymentnext
1
: the act of paying
2
: something that is paid : pay
3

Examples of payment in a Sentence

Payment is due on the first of every month. Prompt payment of your bill ensures that you will not have to pay any additional fees. We require payment in advance for all goods purchased. a payment plan to reduce your debt cash, credit cards, and other methods of payment Our records show that we received a payment of $215.36 in May. Buy this product for three easy payments of only $19.95! It took me five years to pay off the car, but I never missed a payment. making payments on a loan The credit card company just increased the penalty on late payments.
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.
Retirees born on or after the 21st of a month will receive this payment on March 25. Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 This assumes the ability to accelerate exports to more than 7 million barrels a day in the second half of the year, alongside higher payments from Aramco due to elevated crude prices. Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Milbank and the Michigan doctors group say boosting payments for primary care allows doctors to expand their practice, thereby offering better care to more patients. CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment. Staff Reports, The Providence Journal, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for payment

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of payment was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Payment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payment. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

payment

noun
pay·​ment ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce payment (audio)
1
: the act of paying
2
: money given to pay a debt
3

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