payroll

noun

pay·​roll ˈpā-ˌrōl How to pronounce payroll (audio)
Synonyms of payrollnext
1
: a paymaster's or employer's list of those entitled to pay and of the amounts due to each
2
: the sum necessary for distribution to those on a payroll
also : the money to be distributed

Examples of payroll in a Sentence

They cut him from their payroll. He's the manager of a baseball team with a $50 million payroll. Businesses are keeping their payrolls low by embracing new technologies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Payroll Automating payroll might be one of the best uses of accounting software. — Dana Miranda, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The Rays are among the bottom five of team payrolls in baseball, and the Brewers are just outside the bottom third. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026 The Rays have the third-most wins in the American League since 2017, despite consistently operating with one of its lowest payrolls. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Milwaukee swept the Los Angeles Dodgers and their $412 million team in the NLCS, while Tampa Bay topped the New York Yankees and their $310 million payroll in the ALDS. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for payroll

Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of payroll was in 1740

Phrases Containing payroll

Rhymes for payroll

See All Rhymes for payroll

Browse Nearby Words

pay rate
payroll
payroll deduction
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Payroll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payroll. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

payroll

noun
pay·​roll ˈpā-ˌrōl How to pronounce payroll (audio)
1
: a list of persons entitled to receive pay with the amounts due to each
2
: the amount of money necessary to pay those on a payroll

More from Merriam-Webster on payroll

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for payroll

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