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

Highlight key information — especially the amount owed, the date payment is due, and the options for remittance. —Danielle Higley, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

Currencies like stablecoins are becoming increasingly regulated, and can now be used for things like remittances and payments, Zhou adds. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

In turn, remittance providers have been advising customers on how to structure their remittances to avoid the tax. —Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

In 2022 alone, Venezuela received more than $4.2 billion in remittances, approximately 5% of its GDP. —Abraham Nudelstejer, Dallas Morning News, 7 Jan. 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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)