usurer

noun

usu·​rer ˈyü-zhər-ər How to pronounce usurer (audio)
ˈyüzh-rər
: one that lends money especially at an exorbitant rate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And so the stereotype of the Jewish usurer first appears. Sara Lipton, The New York Review of Books, 17 June 2019 On Cordray’s watch, the CFPB won more than $12 billion in settlements for the victims of usurers like this. Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, 24 Jan. 2018 Jews never belong enough anywhere to avoid vilification as parasites, vultures, usurers and traitors. Roger Cohen, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'usurer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of usurer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near usurer

Cite this Entry

“Usurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usurer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

usurer

noun
usu·​rer ˈyü-zhər-ər How to pronounce usurer (audio)
ˈyüzh-rər
: one who lends money especially at a very high rate of interest

Legal Definition

usurer

noun
usu·​rer ˈyü-zhər-ər How to pronounce usurer (audio)
: one that engages in usury
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY