payroll

noun

pay·​roll ˈpā-ˌrōl How to pronounce payroll (audio)
1
: a paymaster's or employer's list of those entitled to pay and of the amounts due to each
2
: the sum necessary for distribution to those on a payroll
also : the money to be distributed

Examples of payroll in a Sentence

They cut him from their payroll. He's the manager of a baseball team with a $50 million payroll. Businesses are keeping their payrolls low by embracing new technologies.
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.
Announcement of the school’s closing in 2014 was prompted by its inability to make payroll. Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 According to Cot’s Contracts, Crane has carried the two highest payrolls in franchise history across each of the past two seasons. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 The report used data from the largest payroll provider in the United States, ADP, to gain up-to-date employment and earning data for millions of workers. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025 For Everyset, a longterm goal is an additional fundraise to expand beyond background actors to start competing as a full-service payroll firm specializing in short-term W-2. Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for payroll

Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of payroll was in 1740

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Cite this Entry

“Payroll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payroll. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

payroll

noun
pay·​roll ˈpā-ˌrōl How to pronounce payroll (audio)
1
: a list of persons entitled to receive pay with the amounts due to each
2
: the amount of money necessary to pay those on a payroll

More from Merriam-Webster on payroll

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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