payment

noun

pay·​ment ˈpā-mənt 

1

: the act of paying

2

: something that is paid : pay

3

: requital

Synonyms of payment

• paying

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

Some Capital One account holders may be eligible for a cash payment as part of a $425 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against the company. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

If the amount is less than $5, only those who chose electronic payment will receive the money. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

The deadline to opt for electronic payment has passed; for those who will be paid by check, it will be sent to the address that Capital One has on file. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026

Uber’s terms say riders must add an eligible Amex card, select it as the payment method, and enable Uber Cash to redeem the benefit. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing payment

• balloon payment
• co-payment
• down payment
• in payment
• on payment of
• stop payment
• transfer payment

Rhymes for payment

• claimant
• copayment
• embayment
• nonpayment
• prepayment
• repayment
• overpayment
• underpayment

Kids Definition

payment

noun

pay·​ment ˈpā-mənt 

1

: the act of paying

2

: money given to pay a debt

3

: pay entry 2 sense 2