noun
per diem
pur DEE-em
Per diem (noun) means a fixed daily allowance paid to cover meals, accommodation and incidental costs while travelling for work. Example: “The company pays a per diem of 60 dollars for meals on overseas trips.”
noun
1
A fixed daily allowance paid to cover meals, accommodation and incidental costs while travelling for work.
"The company pays a per diem of 60 dollars for meals on overseas trips."
"Keep your receipts, because anything above the per diem comes out of your own pocket."
adjective
1
Paid or charged by the day; employed on a day-to-day basis rather than on a fixed contract.
"She works per diem shifts at two different hospitals."
adverb
1
For each day.
"Consultants are billed at 900 pounds per diem."
How to use per diem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA set amount of money you get for each day you are away for work.
When to use it
Business and HR usage; the 'per diem nurse' sense is chiefly American.
Memory tip
Plural is per diems. Keep it two words; the hyphenated per-diem is used before a noun in some style guides.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
per diem rate
per diem allowance
claim a per diem
per diem employee
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The company pays a _____ of 60 dollars for meals on overseas trips.
Etymology
Latin, literally 'by the day', from per 'by' and diem, accusative of dies 'day'.
Synonyms
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daily allowance
subsistence allowance
expenses
Related words
Rhymes for per diem
See all rhymes for per diem →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a per diem and reimbursement?
A per diem is a flat daily sum paid regardless of what you actually spend, so you keep any difference and cover any overspend yourself. Reimbursement pays back your real, receipted costs, so it matches spending exactly but requires paperwork.
Is per diem taxable?
It depends on the country and whether the rate stays within the official allowance. Amounts at or below the government-set rate are usually not treated as taxable income, while anything above it typically is. Check your local tax authority's published rates.
What is a per diem nurse?
In American healthcare it is a nurse who works shift by shift as needed rather than on a fixed schedule. They are usually paid a higher hourly rate in exchange for having no guaranteed hours and often no benefits.
What is the meaning of per diem?
"per diem" (noun) means a fixed daily allowance paid to cover meals, accommodation and incidental costs while travelling for work.
