pay meaning and definition

PAY noun

Definition of pay (noun)

1. something that remunerates
   • "wages were paid by check"; "he wasted his pay on drink"; "they saved a quarter of all their earnings"
   • synonyms: earnings, remuneration, salary, wage

PAY verb

Definition of pay (verb)

1. give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
   • "I paid four dollars for this sandwich"; "Pay the waitress, please"
2. convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow
   • "Don't pay him any mind"; "give the orders"; "Give him my best regards"; "pay attention"
   • synonyms: give
3. cancel or discharge a debt
   • "pay up, please!"
   • synonyms: ante up, pay up
   • antonym: default
4. bring in
   • "interest-bearing accounts"; "How much does this savings certificate pay annually?"
   • synonyms: bear, yield
5. do or give something to somebody in return
   • "Does she pay you for the work you are doing?"
   • synonyms: compensate, make up, pay off
6. dedicate
   • "give thought to"; "give priority to"; "pay attention to"
   • synonyms: devote, give
7. be worth it
   • "It pays to go through the trouble"
8. render
   • "pay a visit"; "pay a call"
9. bear (a cost or penalty), in recompense for some action
   • "You'll pay for this!"; "She had to pay the penalty for speaking out rashly"; "You'll pay for this opinion later"
10. make a compensation for
    • "a favor that cannot be paid back"
11. discharge or settle
    • "pay a debt"; "pay an obligation"