remittance

noun

re·​mit·​tance ri-ˈmi-tᵊn(t)s 

1

a

: a sum of money remitted

b

: an instrument by which money is remitted

2

: transmittal of money (as to a distant place)

Did you know?

Since the 14th century, the verb remit has afforded a variety of meanings, including "to lay aside (a mood or disposition)," "to release from the guilt or penalty of," "to submit or refer for consideration," and "to postpone or defer." It is derived from Latin mittere (meaning "to let go" or "to send"), which is also the root of the English verbs admit, commit, emit, omit, permit, submit, and transmit. Use of remittance in financial contexts referring to the release of money as payment isn't transacted until the 17th century.

Synonyms of remittance

• payment
• compensation
• pay

Examples of remittance in a Sentence

Remittance can be made by check or credit card.

she always mails in her remittance on time so she won't ever be charged a late fee on her electric bill

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal authorities routinely target South Florida remittance companies that operate as conduits for unlawful money transfers, especially for drug traffickers, because many are suspected of evading bank-reporting requirements. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Thousands of migrant workers from South Asia returned home following the outbreak of war, affecting the role of remittances in their local economies. — Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026

Sanctions on remittance and food delivery apps could further cripple the island nation, María José Espinosa, executive director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas, said. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Companies doing between $10 million and a $100 million dollars in revenue are far too large and complex for basic consumer remittance apps such as PayPal or Wise. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

remit entry 1 + -ance

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing remittance

• remittance man

Rhymes for remittance

• acquittance
• admittance
• emittance
• transmittance
• pittance

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Kids Definition

remittance

noun

re·​mit·​tance ri-ˈmit-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: money sent especially in payment

2

: a sending of money (as to a distant place)

Legal Definition

remittance

noun

re·​mit·​tance ri-ˈmit-ᵊns 

1

a

: a sum of money remitted

b

: an instrument by which money is remitted

2

: transmittal of money (as to a distant place)