pay down

verb

paid down; paying down; pays down

transitive verb

: to reduce (a debt) by repaying in part

Examples of pay down 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.
The big picture: After realizing the upswing in consumer spending would level off post-pandemic, retailers like Walmart and Macy's began paying down debt, rating analysts say. Richard Collings, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Because the building has diminished in value, Trump would also have to be willing to pay down his existing mortgage with cash and to take out a smaller loan. Paula Aceves, Curbed, 31 Oct. 2024 Rather than pay down the debt with cash, the Trump Organization opted to refinance. Dan Alexander, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 While the exact terms of the deal—or the company’s new valuation—were not disclosed, a Sotheby’s spokesperson said that $800 million of the cash injection has been earmarked for paying down the auction house’s $1.65 billion long-term debt. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pay down 

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pay down was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near pay down

Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pay down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!