reverse mortgage

noun

: a mortgage that allows an elderly person to convert home equity into available funds through a line of credit, cash advance, or periodic disbursements to be repaid with interest usually when the borrower dies, moves, or sells the home

Examples of reverse mortgage 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.

Absent better reverse mortgage options, this keeps retirees from spending a large share of their wealth, and means some are scrimping on their non-housing expenses. —

Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026 That’s part of the deal with a reverse mortgage. —

Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 For senior homeowners, a better option might be one tied to the property — like a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or reverse mortgage. —

Aly J Yale, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026 Homeowners might also consider selling their current home and downsizing, moving to a lower-cost area, or borrowing against their home equity via a reverse mortgage or a home equity line of credit. —

Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reverse mortgage

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of reverse mortgage was in 1977

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Browse Nearby Words

reversement

reverse mortgage

reverse of the medal

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Reverse mortgage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20mortgage. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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