1
: a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given as an acknowledgment of debt
2

Examples of IOU in a Sentence

I don't have any cash, so I'll have to give you an IOU.
Recent Examples on the Web The designer shares Brayden and Taylor with her first husband and Flip or Flop costar, Tarek El Moussa, and Hudson with her second husband, Celebrity IOU: Joyride host Ant Anstead. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024 Last month, the Celebrity IOU: Joyride host shared an adorable reaction to the movie poster for Zellweger’s upcoming film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024 She was previously married to her former Flip or Flop co-star Tarek for seven years and Celebrity IOU: Joyride host Ant Anstead for two. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024 She was previously married to her former Flip or Flop co-star Tarek El Moussa for seven years and Celebrity IOU: Joyride host Ant Anstead for two. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 26 July 2024 The best shows to stream on Discovery+ Christina shares two kids with her first ex-husband and former Flip or Flop costar, Tarek El Moussa, and one child with her second ex-husband, Celebrity IOU: Joyride star Ant Anstead. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 17 July 2024 In a photo shared exclusively with PEOPLE, the Celebrity IOU: Joyride host, 45, is seen working hard on a car in the historic barn that will soon double as his new workspace. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024 In the introduction of the episode of Celebrity IOU: Joyride that featured Zellweger, Anstead's co-host, Cristy Lee, talked about Zellweger's accent in the original film. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 On Monday’s all-new episode of Celebrity IOU, the Ahsoka star, 44, surprises her longtime friend of over two decades, Sal, with a heartfelt home makeover. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'IOU.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the pronunciation of I owe you

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of IOU was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near IOU

Cite this Entry

“IOU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IOU. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

: a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given to acknowledge a debt
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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