paywall

noun

pay·​wall ˈpā-ˌwȯl How to pronounce paywall (audio)
: 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
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.
But Leung acknowledged that ChatGPT cannot access data behind paywalls, potentially missing crucial analyses available through professional services. Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 Though still involving a paywall, the involvement of Netflix is a positive, says Christie, because of the impressive viewership numbers that the platform can bring. Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 Open access adaptation The Open Access movement aims to make journal articles free for everyone to read and has led to many journals removing reader paywalls. Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025 The rise of prediction markets (paywall), where contracts are literally tied to cultural or political outcomes, underscores how attention is no longer just sentiment, but a tradable asset in its own right. Anmol Verma, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paywall

Word History

Etymology

pay entry 1 + firewall

First Known Use

2004, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paywall was in 2004

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paywall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paywall. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

paywall

noun
pay·​wall ˈpā-ˌwȯl How to pronounce paywall (audio)
: a system that prevents Internet users from accessing certain Web content without a paid subscription
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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