promissory note

American  

noun

1. a written promise to pay a specified sum of money to a designated person, or to the bearer of the note, at a fixed time or on demand.

2. a written promise to do or provide something, usually presented as a gift and claimable when or however the recipient chooses.

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promissory note British  

noun

1. Also called: note.   note of hand.  commerce a document, usually negotiable, containing a signed promise to pay a stated sum of money to a specified person at a designated date or on demand

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Etymology

Origin of promissory note

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Last week, 52% of the company was sold to media mogul Byron Allen for $120 million: $20 million in cash and the rest in the form of a promissory note due in five years.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

The deal will be funded with $20 million in cash and a $100 million promissory note due five years from closing, which will accrue 5% in annual interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Keough’s lawsuit, which was reviewed by The Times, said Naussany Investments presented a deed of trust for Graceland and a standard promissory note to the estate via the Los Angeles County Superior Court in September.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2024

Delta said in a statement that it was providing a short-term capital infusion in the form of a secured promissory note to Wheels Up, which is pursuing strategic partnerships.

From Reuters • Aug. 9, 2023

Evidently soon after he reached this hotel, feeling that at last he had escaped his threatened doom, an envelope was sent up to him, which contained the so-called promissory note.

From Final Proof or the Value of Evidence by Ottolengui, R.