noun
IOU
IOU (noun) means an informal written note acknowledging a debt, from the phrase "I owe you.". Example: “He scribbled an IOU on a napkin and promised to pay her back Friday.”
noun
1
An informal written note acknowledging a debt, from the phrase "I owe you."
"He scribbled an IOU on a napkin and promised to pay her back Friday."
How to use IOU
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual note promising to repay money owed.
Common pairings
write an IOU
settle an IOU
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Word forms
- Plural
- IOUs
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He scribbled an _____ on a napkin and promised to pay her back Friday.
Etymology
From the pronunciation of the phrase "I owe you," first recorded in this shorthand form in the early 17th century.
Class of 1600
IOU joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Rhymes for IOU
See all rhymes for IOU →Frequently asked questions
What does “IOU” mean?
The word “IOU” means an informal written note acknowledging a debt, from the phrase "I owe you.". In plain terms, a casual note promising to repay money owed.
How do you use “IOU” in a sentence?
Here is “IOU” used in a sentence: “He scribbled an IOU on a napkin and promised to pay her back Friday.”
What part of speech is “IOU”?
“IOU” is a noun.
Where does the word “IOU” come from?
The word “IOU” dates back to around 1600. From the pronunciation of the phrase "I owe you," first recorded in this shorthand form in the early 17th century.
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