Pay

/peɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of paying money.

The pay for this job is quite competitive.

A specified amount of money paid to someone for work done.

Her pay has increased significantly over the years.

verb

To give (someone) money that is due for work done, goods received, or a debt incurred.

I need to pay the bill before the end of the month.

To give or provide money in exchange for something.

She decided to pay extra for expedited shipping.

To compensate someone for their efforts, time, or trouble.

He will pay you for your help with the project.

Middle English 'paen', from Old French 'paier', from Latin 'pacare'.

pay your dues

To fulfill one's obligations or responsibilities.

pay it forward

To do a good deed for someone else in return for a kindness received.

pay off

To result in success or benefit; to settle a debt.

pay up

To give money that is owed, especially after being asked.

pay the price

To accept the consequences of one's actions.

payment

The act of giving money in return for goods or services.

payer

A person or organization that pays someone or something.

payable

Able to be paid; the amount of money due.

To cough up

I had to cough up some cash for the tickets.

To shell out

I had to shell out a lot of money for the new phone.

To fork over

You better fork over that money you owe me.

To drop a dime

He dropped a dime on that pizza delivery.