noun

stipend

STEYE-pehnd

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Stipend (noun) means a regular, fixed payment for services — often given to clergy, students, interns, or public officials instead of a full wage. Example: “The visiting fellow received a modest monthly stipend to cover living costs.”

noun

A regular, fixed payment for services — often given to clergy, students, interns, or public officials instead of a full wage.

"The visiting fellow received a modest monthly stipend to cover living costs."

"Graduate students on the program get a small research stipend."

verb

To pay someone a stipend.

"The charity stipends its volunteer coordinators a token amount each month."

How to use stipend

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA regular set payment, usually smaller than a normal salary, often for trainees, students, or clergy.

Common mistake

A stipend usually isn't meant to fully cover living costs the way a salary is — it's often a partial allowance.

Easily confused with

salary →

Common pairings

a monthly stipend a research stipend receive a stipend

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: stipends
Third person singular: stipends
Past tense: stipended

Test yourself on “stipend” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The visiting fellow received a modest monthly _____ to cover living costs.

Etymology

From Latin stipendium, "military pay" or "tax," built from stips ("small contribution") and pendere ("to pay").

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “stipend” mean?

The word “stipend” means a regular, fixed payment for services — often given to clergy, students, interns, or public officials instead of a full wage. In plain terms, a regular set payment, usually smaller than a normal salary, often for trainees, students, or clergy.

How do you pronounce “stipend”?

“Stipend” is pronounced STEYE-pehnd (/ˈstaɪˌpɛnd/ in IPA).

How do you use “stipend” in a sentence?

Here is “stipend” used in a sentence: “The visiting fellow received a modest monthly stipend to cover living costs.”

What part of speech is “stipend”?

Depending on how it is used, “stipend” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “stipend” come from?

The word “stipend” comes from Latin. From Latin stipendium, "military pay" or "tax," built from stips ("small contribution") and pendere ("to pay").

How many meanings does “stipend” have?

“Stipend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a regular, fixed payment for services — often given to clergy, students, interns, or public officials instead of a full wage.