Payable

/ˈpeɪəbəl/

adjectivemediumCommonLegal

Definitions

1

Required to be paid, especially in accordance with an agreement or law.

/ˈpeɪəbəl/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Legal

Required to be paid; due.

The rent is payable on the first of the month.

💡 Simply: Imagine you owe your friend money for pizza. If you HAVE to give the money to your friend, it is considered a payment *payable* at the time that it is due.

👶 For kids: Something that needs to be given back, like money!

More Examples

2

The outstanding balance is payable immediately.

3

The interest on the loan is payable monthly.

How It's Used

Finance

"The invoice is payable within 30 days."

Business

"Accounts payable are recorded as a liability."

Idioms & expressions

accounts payable

A record of a company's obligations to pay its short-term debts to creditors.

"The accountant reviewed the accounts payable to ensure accuracy."

payable to

Designating the recipient of a payment.

"Make the check payable to John Smith."

From Middle English *paiable*, from Old French paiable, from paier ('to pay').

The word 'payable' has been used since the 14th century, primarily in legal and financial contexts.

Memory tip

Think of a bill that *must be paid*.

payblepayeble

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written