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.
That notice should absolutely be available in front of a paywall, and many publications, including The Denver Post, already meet that standard. The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026 When a massive streaming platform consolidates even more TV shows and movies behind a single paywall, American families lose. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026 On the men’s side, all three first-round games on March 11 as well as the first two quarterfinal games on March 12 are behind the same paywall. From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026 An additional paywall existed with MLS Season Pass, which no longer exists. Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 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 10 Mar. 2026.

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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