IOU
noun
1
: a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given as an acknowledgment of debt
2
: debt, obligation
Examples of IOU in a Sentence
I don't have any cash, so I'll have to give you an IOU.
Recent Examples on the Web
They will be delivered to those who preordered the dolls in January 2026, so Santa Claus may have to leave some IOU notes to fans across the country.
—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
Selling bonds—essentially issuing buyers an IOU, plus interest—is a quick way for a government to raise funds.
—
Michael Waters,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
If the soldier buys $100 of groceries from a grocer and pays by check, the grocer receives 10% of a Fed IOU, which goes through the grocer’s bank.
—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Since both Sling Blue and Sling Orange carry HGTV, either package works to catch weekly episodes of Celebrity IOU.
—
Erin Lassner,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
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Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
Selling bonds—essentially issuing buyers an IOU, plus interest—is a quick way for a government to raise funds.
—
Michael Waters,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
If the soldier buys $100 of groceries from a grocer and pays by check, the grocer receives 10% of a Fed IOU, which goes through the grocer’s bank.
—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Since both Sling Blue and Sling Orange carry HGTV, either package works to catch weekly episodes of Celebrity IOU.
—
Erin Lassner,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“IOU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IOU. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
IOU
noun
: a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given to acknowledge a debt
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