prepay

verb

pre·​pay (ˌ)prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid (ˌ)prē-ˈpād How to pronounce prepay (audio) ; prepaying
Synonyms of prepaynext

transitive verb

: to pay or pay the charge on in advance
prepayment
(ˌ)prē-ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce prepay (audio)
noun

Examples of prepay in a Sentence

Special orders must be prepaid.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepay was in 1839

Rhymes for prepay

See All Rhymes for prepay

Browse Nearby Words

prepausal
prepay
prepay station
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prepay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepay. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

prepay

verb
pre·​pay (ˈ)prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid -ˈpād How to pronounce prepay (audio) ; prepaying
: to pay or pay for in advance
prepayment
-ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce prepay (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

prepay

transitive verb
pre·​pay prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid; prepaying
: to pay or pay the charge on in advance (as of date due or maturity date)
no penalty for prepaying your student loan
prepayment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on prepay

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prepay

Nglish: Translation of prepay for Spanish Speakers

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