paying

The word “paying” means the act of giving money owed; payment. In plain terms, the act of handing over money, or (as an adjective) something that earns money.

“Paying” is pronounced PAY-ihng (/ˈpeɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “paying” used in a sentence: “Paying the bills on time keeps your credit score healthy.”

Depending on how it is used, “paying” can be a noun and an adjective.

“Paying” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Paying” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of giving money owed; payment.

Paying is the act or process of giving money owed: it describes doing it. Payment usually refers to the money itself or a single instance of paying, as in 'your payment was received'. So paying is the ongoing action, while a payment is the specific sum handed over or the completed transaction.

As an adjective, paying describes something that brings in money or involves payment. A paying customer is one who actually pays for a product or service, and a paying job is one that earns a worthwhile income. In this sense, paying is close in meaning to profitable or income-earning.

The phrase has two senses. Literally, paying your dues means handing over the fees you owe to a club or organisation. Figuratively, it means earning respect or a reward through hard work, hardship, or experience over time: putting in the effort before enjoying the benefits.

In the sense of handing over money owed, the opposite of paying is receiving or being paid: one person pays while another is paid. It can also contrast with owing, withholding, or not paying at all. If paying means settling a debt, then failing to pay leaves the debt outstanding.