paywall

noun

pay·​wall ˈpā-ˌwȯl 

: a system that prevents Internet users from accessing certain web content without a paid subscription

Examples of paywall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That doesn’t include social media impressions and other shoulder programming that FloSports produces, some of which lives outside the paywall. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026

Instead, there’s a growing concern MLS has handcuffed itself by hiding behind the Apple TV paywall. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Rather than placing games behind another paywall, the service is free to viewers and supported by advertising. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 15 July 2026

The service has picked up a number of exclusive shows, while also putting much of CNN’s digital report behind a light paywall. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

pay entry 1 + firewall

First Known Use

2004, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paywall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

paywall

noun

pay·​wall ˈpā-ˌwȯl 

: a system that prevents Internet users from accessing certain Web content without a paid subscription