1
: a paymaster's or employer's list of those entitled to pay and of the amounts due to each
2
: the sum necessary for distribution to those on a payroll
also
: the money to be distributed
Examples of payroll in a Sentence
They cut him from their payroll.
He's the manager of a baseball team with a $50 million payroll.
Businesses are keeping their payrolls low by embracing new technologies.
Recent Examples on the Web
While the current legislation does not reduce Social Security benefits or redirect payroll taxes, Cruz’s remarks reveal what may be the long‑term trajectory.
—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The June jobs report came in weaker than expected, with nonfarm payrolls up 57,000 versus the Dow Jones consensus of 115,000.
—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Lower participation means fewer people paying payroll and income taxes, and more people relying on income support programs that the government would have to pay out.
—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
According to Spotrac, the New York Mets’ player payroll this year is $328 million, while the Cleveland Guardians’ is $80 million.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for payroll
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Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The June jobs report came in weaker than expected, with nonfarm payrolls up 57,000 versus the Dow Jones consensus of 115,000.
—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Lower participation means fewer people paying payroll and income taxes, and more people relying on income support programs that the government would have to pay out.
—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
According to Spotrac, the New York Mets’ player payroll this year is $328 million, while the Cleveland Guardians’ is $80 million.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for payroll
Cite this Entry
“Payroll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payroll. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
payroll
noun
pay·roll
ˈpā-ˌrōl 
1
: a list of persons entitled to receive pay with the amounts due to each
2
: the amount of money necessary to pay those on a payroll
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