debtor

noun

debt·​or ˈde-tər How to pronounce debtor (audio)
1
: one guilty of neglect or violation of duty
2
: one who owes a debt

Examples of debtor in a Sentence

The debtor agrees to pay the debt over a three-year period.
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.
The company is operating as a debtor in possession and is seeking approval for motions to continue ordinary operations. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 12 Feb. 2025 The exemption applies as long as the assets are reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and their dependents. James Brewer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Right now, China and other major debt holders are then also wary of offering debt relief, knowing the debtor country will likely use any financial breathing room to pay the private bond market. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2024 Lawsuits filed in several states have sought to stop Biden's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), which calculates a debtor's monthly payment amount based on their income and family size and reduces interest charged. Aliss Higham, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for debtor

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debtor was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Debtor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debtor. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

debtor

noun
debt·​or ˈdet-ər How to pronounce debtor (audio)
1
: sinner
2
: one that owes a debt

Legal Definition

debtor

noun
debt·​or
: a person who owes a debt see also bankrupt compare creditor, obligee, obligor

Note: The Bankruptcy Act of 1978 calls the person concerned in a bankruptcy case the “debtor” as opposed to the “bankrupt.”

More from Merriam-Webster on debtor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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