payday

American  

[pey-dey] / ˈpeɪˌdeɪ /

noun

1. the day on which wages are given, payment is made, etc.

2. Informal. a day or period during which a great deal of money, success, fame, etc., is won or obtained.

   Payday came when she was given a screen test by a big Hollywood studio.

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payday British  

/ ˈpeɪˌdeɪ /

noun

1. the day on which wages or salaries are paid

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Etymology

Origin of payday

First recorded in 1520–30; pay ¹ + day

Example Sentences

Fresh off leading Duke to its first outright ACC championship in more than half a century, Mensah was bolting for the exit—and, he hoped, toward an even bigger payday from another program.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said he had refrained from agreeing to do so - which "affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since".

From BBC

Supporters said the prospect of giant paydays can keep talented CEOs on the job and drive them to improve results, typically over five- to 10-year terms.

From The Wall Street Journal

When lower-income Americans are regulated out of the card market, they may turn to payday loans that charge even higher rates.

From The Wall Street Journal

After a disappointing recent stretch for GameStop shares, the company is giving its CEO a chance for a big payday — provided he can achieve ambitious growth targets.

From MarketWatch