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

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 notes

In plain EnglishA casual note promising to repay money owed.

Common pairings

write an IOU settle an IOU

Word forms

IOUs plural

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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.

· First attested 1600

Class of 1600 IOU joined the language around 1600.

abigail accommodation Amish Baroque beau

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Rhymes for IOU

ou you fou sou Lou kou mou Zou Vou Hou thou chou

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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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Vocabulary lists that include IOU:

Words that end with U