to settle (a debt, obligation, etc.), as by transferring money or goods, or by doing something

Please pay your bill.

to give over (a certain amount of money) in exchange for something

He paid twenty dollars for the shirt.

to transfer money as compensation or recompense for work done or services rendered; to satisfy the claims of (a person, organization, etc.), as by giving money due

He paid me for my work.

to defray (cost or expense).

to give compensation for.

to yield a recompense or return to; be profitable to

Your training will pay you well in the future.

to yield as a return

The stock paid six percent last year.

to requite, as for good, harm, or an offense

How can I pay her for her kindness and generosity?

to give or render (attention, respects, compliments, etc.), as if due or fitting.

to make (a call, visit, etc.).

to suffer in retribution; undergo

You'll pay the penalty for your stubbornness!

Nautical . to let (a ship) fall off to leeward.

to transfer money, goods, etc., as in making a purchase or settling a debt.

to discharge a debt or obligation.

to yield a return, profit, or advantage; be worthwhile

It pays to be courteous.

to give compensation, as for damage or loss sustained.

to suffer or be punished for something

The murderer paid with his life.

the act of paying or being paid; payment.

wages, salary, or a stipend.

a person with reference to solvency or reputation for meeting obligations

The bank regards him as good pay.

paid employment

in the pay of the enemy.

reward or punishment; requital.

a rock stratum from which petroleum is obtained.

requiring subscribed or monthly payment for use or service

pay television.

operable or accessible on deposit of a coin or coins

a pay toilet.

of or pertaining to payment. ?

pay down,

to pay (part of the total price) at the time of purchase, with the promise to pay the balance in installments

On this plan you pay only ten percent down.

to pay off or back; amortize

The company's debt is being paid down rapidly.

pay for, to suffer or be punished for

to pay for one's sins.

pay off,

to pay (someone) everything that is due that person, esp. to do so and discharge from one's employ.

to pay (a debt) in full.

Informal . to bribe.

to retaliate upon or punish.

Nautical . to fall off to leeward.

to result in success or failure

The risk paid off handsomely.

pay out,

to distribute (money, wages, etc.); disburse.

to get revenge upon for an injury; punish.

to let out (a rope) by slackening.

pay up,

to pay fully.

to pay on demand

The gangsters used threats of violence to force the shopkeepers to pay up.

pay as you go

to pay for (goods, services, etc.) at the time of purchase, as opposed to buying on credit.

to spend no more than income permits; keep out of debt.

to pay income tax by regular deductions from one's salary or wages.

pay back

to repay or return

to pay back a loan.

to retaliate against or punish

She paid us back by refusing the invitation.

to requite.

pay one's or its way

to pay one's portion of shared expenses.

to yield a return on one's investment sufficient to repay one's expenses

It will take time for the restaurant to begin paying its way.

verb

earn , lose , bilk , defraud , protest , repudiate

noun

allowance , bacon * , bread * , commission , compensation , consideration , defrayment , emoluments , fee , hire * , honorarium , income , indemnity , meed , payment , perquisite , pittance , proceeds , profit , reckoning , recompensation , recompense , redress , reimbursement , remuneration , reparation , requital , return , reward , salary , satisfaction , scale , settlement , stipend , stipendium , take-home , takings , wage , wages , earnings , emolument , hire , annuity , bonus , bribe , defrayal , guerdon , incentive , liquidation , maintenance , rebate , retainer , retribution , tip , tribute

verb

adjust , bear the cost , bear the expense , bequeath , bestow , chip in * , clear , come through , compensate , confer , cough up , defray , dig up , disburse , discharge , extend , foot * , foot the bill * , grant , handle , hand over * , honor , kick in * , liquidate , make payment , meet , offer , plunk down , prepay , present , proffer , put up * , recompense , recoup , refund , reimburse , remit , remunerate , render , repay , requite , reward , satisfy , settle , stake , take care of , benefit , be worthwhile , serve , answer , atone , be punished , get just desserts , suffer , suffer consequences , be profitable , be remunerative , bring in , kick back * , make a return , make money , pay dividends , pay off * , pay out , produce , provide a living , return , show gain , show profit , sweeten * , yield profit , avenge oneself , get even , make up for , pay back * , pay one’s dues , punish , reciprocate , retaliate , settle a score , square , square things , indemnify , redress , expend , give , lay out , outlay , draw , earn , gain , gross , net , realize , yield , allowance , amortize , ante , commission , commute , compensation , disburse (payout) , fee , foot , hire , income , profit , retribution , salary , settlement , spend , stipend , tip , tribute , wage , wages

phrasal verb

pay off , redress , repay , requite , vindicate , pay back , buy