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

Approximately 40% of households in Somalia get remittances from abroad. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026

In this sense, remittances from the US operate not only as private support between families but also as a stabilizing force for entire communities. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

The payment problems started last June, with delays caused by a computer system upgrade that slowed remittances to the 12,000 attorneys who participate in the program nationwide. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Dec. 2025

The letters — sent in October and November and obtained through a public records request — show that various travel, shipping and remittance companies have been shut down. —Daniel Rivero, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025

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)