plural IOUs
informal
: a usually written promise to pay a debt
I don't have any cash, so I'll have to give you an IOU.
—often used figurativelyThe governor has acquired some political IOUs over the years. [=other people owe the governor political favors]
Note: IOU is from the pronunciation of the phrase "I owe you."
Cite this Entry
“IOU.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/IOU. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
