subscription

noun

sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən 

plural subscriptions

1

a

: the act of signing one's name (as in attesting or witnessing a document)

b

: the acceptance (as of ecclesiastical articles of faith) attested by the signing of one's name

2

: something that is subscribed: such as

a

: an autograph signature

also : a paper to which a signature is attached

b

: a sum subscribed or pledged

3

: an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature especially on a prepayment plan: such as

a

: a purchase by prepayment for a certain number of regular deliveries of something (such as issues of a periodical) or for a certain period of access to or use of something (such as an online service)

b

: application to purchase securities of a new issue

c

: a method of offering or presenting a series of public performances

d

British : membership dues

Examples of subscription in a Sentence

I'm going to renew my subscription.

You won't find this magazine at newsstands. It's sold only by subscription.

Recent Examples on the Web

Small businesses should strategically apply AI to automate non-judgmental, time-consuming tasks like paperwork, rather than general subscriptions. — Terdawn Deboe, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

According to an internal survey shared by ShockedIO, 40 of 44 new members report recouping the cost of their subscription within their first week. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 July 2026

YouTube itself, not even pay-TV arm YouTube TV, should be included in that market analysis along with both subscription and free streaming services. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 July 2026

The company also offers a TaxSafe subscription service designed to provide continued assistance for up to 24 months after your case is completed. — Adam Palasciano, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subscripcion mark at the end of a document, concluding formula, from Anglo-French, from Latin subscription-, subscriptio, from subscribere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing subscription

• subscription TV

Rhymes for subscription

• ascription
• conscription
• decryption
• description
• egyptian
• encryption
• inscription
• prescription
• proscription
• transcription
• circumscription
• misdescription

Kids Definition

subscription

noun

sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: an act or instance of subscribing

2

: something (as a document containing a signature) that is subscribed

3

: an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature on a prepayment plan

especially : a purchase of a certain number of future issues (as of a magazine)

Medical Definition

subscription

noun

sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən 

: a part of a prescription that contains directions to the pharmacist

Legal Definition

subscription

noun

sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of signing one's name (as in attesting or witnessing a document)

2

: something that is subscribed

specifically : a sum subscribed or pledged

a charitable subscription

3

: an agreement to purchase securities (as stocks) of a new issue and especially of a prospective corporation compare warrant sense 3b