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Definition of payment

payment

/ˈpeɪ.mənt/
pay · ment
Plural:payments
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payment Lexical Profile

payment Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of paying someone or of being paid for goods, services, or a debt.

Example

"The store accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or cash."

2

An amount of money paid or payable in return for goods or services, or to fulfill a financial obligation.

Example

"They made a generous down payment on their first house."

3

A reward, recompense, or retribution given in return for an action or behavior.

Example

"Watching the students succeed was the best payment she could ask for after years of mentoring."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for payment

• Rhymes for payment

• Nearby Words

paygrade
payload
paymaster
payment
payoff
payout
payphone

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'paiement', derived from the verb 'paier' (to pay, appease) and ultimately from Latin 'pacare' (to pacify or make peaceful).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Payment. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/payment
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