- to settle (a debt, obligation, etc.), as by transferring money or goods, or by doing something: Please pay your bill.
- to give over (a certain amount of money) in exchange for something: He paid twenty dollars for the shirt.
- to transfer money as compensation or recompense for work done or services rendered; to satisfy the claims of (a person, organization, etc.), as by giving money due: He paid me for my work.
- to defray (cost or expense).
- to give compensation for.
- to yield a recompense or return to; be profitable to: Your training will pay you well in the future.
- to yield as a return: The stock paid six percent last year.
- to requite, as for good, harm, or an offense: How can I pay her for her kindness and generosity?
- to give or render (attention, respects, compliments, etc.), as if due or fitting.
- to make (a call, visit, etc.).
- to suffer in retribution: You'll pay the penalty for your stubbornness!
- to let (a ship) fall off to leeward.
- to transfer money, goods, etc., as in making a purchase or settling a debt.
- to discharge a debt or obligation.
- to yield a return, profit, or advantage; be worthwhile: It pays to be courteous.
- to give compensation, as for damage or loss sustained.
- to suffer or be punished for something; atone: The murderer paid with his life.
- the act of paying or being paid; payment.
- wages, salary, or a stipend.
- a person with reference to solvency or reputation for meeting obligations: The bank regards him as good pay.
- paid employment: One of the army officers was actually in the pay of the enemy.
- reward or punishment; requital.
- a rock stratum from which petroleum is obtained.
- requiring subscribed or monthly payment for use or service: With pay TV, you can watch hit movies from the comfort of your own home.
- operable or accessible on deposit of a coin or coins: Do you have any change for the pay toilet?
- of or relating to payment.
- See entry at payback.
- pay down,
- to pay (part of the total price) at the time of purchase, with the promise to pay the balance in installments: On this plan you pay only ten percent down.
- to pay off or back; amortize: The company's debt is being paid down rapidly.
- to suffer or be punished for: The corrupt cop finally pays for his sins when the gang betrays him.
- See entry at payoff.
- See entry at payout.
- pay up,
- to pay fully.
- to pay on demand: The gangsters used threats of violence to force the shopkeepers to pay up.
- pay as you go,
- to pay for (goods, services, etc.) at the time of purchase, as opposed to buying on credit.
- to spend no more than income permits; keep out of debt.
- to pay income tax by regular deductions from one's salary or wages.
- to express gratitude for kindness or good fortune by doing good for someone else:People were very helpful to us, so we want to pay it forward to other entrepreneurs just starting out.
- pay one's / its way,
- to pay one's portion of shared expenses.
- to yield a return on one's investment sufficient to repay one's expenses: It will take time for the restaurant to begin paying its way.
- to coat or cover (seams, a ship's bottom, etc.) with pitch, tar, or the like.
- to discharge (a debt, obligation, etc) by giving or doing something
- to give (money) to (a person) in return for goods or services
- to give or afford (a person) a profit or benefit
- to give or bestow (a compliment, regards, attention, etc)
- to make (a visit or call)
- to give compensation or make amends
- to yield a return of
- to give or do (something equivalent) in return; pay back
- to allow (a vessel) to make leeway
- to acknowledge or accept (something) as true, just, etc
- pay one's way
- to contribute one's share of expenses
- to remain solvent without outside help
- money given in return for work or services; a salary or wage
- (as modifier)
- paid employment (esp in the phrase in the pay of)
- requiring the insertion of money or discs before or during use
- rich enough in minerals to be profitably mined or worked
- to caulk (the seams of a wooden vessel) with pitch or tar
