pay out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To distribute money; to disburse.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Since 2016, the bank has reviewed 165 million accounts, contacted more than 40 million customers and payed out millions in compensation, Sloan said in his opening statement submitted to the House Financial Services Committee on Monday.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To slacken a rope by lengthening it; to allow a rope to run out.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To slacken by lengthening.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pay out” mean?
To distribute money; to disburse.
Is “pay out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.