This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
payola
[ pey-oh-luh ]
/ peɪˈoʊ lə /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Informal.
a secret or private payment in return for the promotion of a product, service, etc., through the abuse of one's position, influence, or facilities.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Words nearby payola
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use payola in a sentence
The broadcast industry was already reeling, rocked by scandals -- radio payola and rigged TV quiz shows.
British Dictionary definitions for payola
payola
/ (peɪˈəʊlə) /
noun informal, mainly US
a bribe given to secure special treatment, esp to a disc jockey to promote a commercial product
the practice of paying or receiving such bribes
Word Origin for payola
C20: from pay 1 + -ola, as in Pianola
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012