payable

adjective

pay·​able ˈpā-ə-bəl How to pronounce payable (audio)
Synonyms of payablenext
1
: that may, can, or must be paid
2

Examples of payable in a Sentence

She charges her patients $3,000, payable in installments. keep the bills payable separate from the receipts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An all-day pass is $12, payable to the ranger at the gate or via the machine in the parking lot. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Savannah Guthrie announced on Instagram that the family is offering a reward of up to $1 million, payable only for her mother's recovery. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 Most imminently, the trust fund devoted to retirement benefits is due to run out in 2032, at which point just 24% of those benefits may be payable, according to the latest projections from the Social Security Administration. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez is guaranteed $104 million in a six-year contract for 2027-32, a deal that contains $20 million in deferred money payable from 2035-44. CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for payable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of payable was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Payable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payable. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

payable

adjective
pay·​able ˈpā-ə-bəl How to pronounce payable (audio)
: that may, can, or must be paid
accounts payable

Legal Definition

payable

adjective
pay·​able
: that may, can, or must be paid

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