earnest money

American  

noun

Law.

1. money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract.

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Etymology

Origin of earnest money

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

“Typically, the immediate consequence is forfeiting the earnest money deposit you put down,” Will McSeveney says.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

“If I had been on the listing side, I would have required additional earnest money that was non-refundable so there was more of a risk to the buyer.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

I only went through with the purchase because I didn’t want to lose $50,000 earnest money and I thought we were going to instantly put it back on market to try to break even.

From Slate • Nov. 21, 2022

Home buyers face pressures to waive financing protections and put forward as much cash as they can in their down payment and as part of a deposit known as earnest money.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 15, 2021

“You and your husband had recently put down earnest money on this land. Is that correct, Mrs. Heine?”

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• deposit