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.
But any recurring revenue collected above the new growth limit would be off-limits for ongoing expenses and could only be used for nonrecurring purposes like infrastructure projects or paying down debt. Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2025 President Trump and his officials have touted his sweeping tariff actions as tools to not only ensure fairer trade internationally, but also pay down the federal government’s $36 trillion-plus debt. Aris Folley, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 Still, the Trump administration has pointed to tariffs aimed at fixing trade deficits as a potential source of government revenue to pay down the national debt and fund tax cuts. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 The best way to pay off debt The best move for those struggling to pay down revolving credit card debt is to consolidate with a 0% balance transfer card, experts suggest. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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