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

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

None of the publication’s regular content will be put behind a paywall, says Sammon. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 July 2026

Nexstar Media Group’s The Hill, the political web site that started as a free newspaper read in most congressional offices in Washington, is launching a new direct-to-consumer streaming service that will be behind a paywall. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

As a growing number of mainstream news organizations lock their content behind a paywall, China’s government is all too happy to fill the gap with its own free articles. — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 7 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