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

If a purchase is needed, compare costs calmly, outline how payment will happen, then set a review date. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026

Instant payments compress all of that to seconds, and once an instant payment is sent, funds are irrevocable. — Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Georgia is one of dozens of states that could have to fork over millions of dollars to provide food aid to lower-income residents if officials don't cut down on payment errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Taking time to review these details can help patients choose a payment strategy that fits their budget and avoids unexpected costs. — William Jones, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 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