paywall

noun

pay·​wall ˈpā-ˌwȯl How to pronounce paywall (audio)
: a system that prevents Internet users from accessing certain web content without a paid subscription

Examples of paywall in a Sentence

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.
Lyrics move behind paywall Based on current reports, YouTube Music allows around five lyric views before cutting off access. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 The new-look Mountain West has completed its next television deal, continuing partnerships with CBS Sports and Fox Sports while also adding The CW to its linear lineup and moving the Mountain West app to a paywall service. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Certain third-party websites may be behind a paywall and require subscription for access to content. Heather L. Locus, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 In response to the backlash, X moved Grok’s image editing features behind a paywall on Friday, limiting the functionality to paid subscribers who provide identification and payment information. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paywall

Word History

Etymology

pay entry 1 + firewall

First Known Use

2004, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paywall was in 2004

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paywall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paywall. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

paywall

noun
pay·​wall ˈpā-ˌwȯl How to pronounce paywall (audio)
: a system that prevents Internet users from accessing certain Web content without a paid subscription
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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