debtor

noun

debt·​or ˈde-tər How to pronounce debtor (audio)
1
: one guilty of neglect or violation of duty
2
: one who owes a debt

Examples of debtor in a Sentence

The debtor agrees to pay the debt over a three-year period.
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.
Student loan borrowers in Vermont face the highest repayments in the nation, according to a new study by WalletHub, with the average debtor owing a median $248 per month. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 If the debtor-in-possession financing is approved, $200 million would be available immediately. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 In many states, the path for filing a case against a debtor and garnishing their wages is relatively smooth — especially if the debtor doesn’t appear in court. Rae Ellen Bichell, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 Listed as co-debtors are OPA Management Group, the company's Chief Executive Officer, Molly Adams, and her husband, Marcus Adams, according to the court documents obtained by USA TODAY. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for debtor

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debtor was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Debtor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debtor. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

debtor

noun
debt·​or ˈdet-ər How to pronounce debtor (audio)
1
: sinner
2
: one that owes a debt

Legal Definition

debtor

noun
debt·​or
: a person who owes a debt see also bankrupt compare creditor, obligee, obligor

Note: The Bankruptcy Act of 1978 calls the person concerned in a bankruptcy case the “debtor” as opposed to the “bankrupt.”

More from Merriam-Webster on debtor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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