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.
While the paywall will still raise concerns for fans, Fenton ensured there will be an influx of free and accessible content for people to enjoy, similar to what the platform does now. Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 While most of the major models don't disclose their specific data sets, it's generally understood at this point that the major models have scraped most of the internet that isn't behind a paywall. Ina Fried, Axios, 21 Apr. 2025 Members get all of our content (including the magazine), no paywalls or content meters, an advertising-minimal experience, and unique access to our writers and editors (through conference calls, social media groups, and more). Mary Katharine Ham, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025 Then generative AI showed up, offering the same answers instantly, for free, without a paywall. Roi Sorezki, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 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 May. 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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