prepay

American  

[pree-pey] / priˈpeɪ /

verb (used with object)

prepaid, prepaying

1. to pay or arrange to pay beforehand or before due.

   to prepay the loan.

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prepay British  

/ priːˈpeɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to pay for in advance

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Other Word Forms

• prepayable adjective
• prepayment noun

Etymology

Origin of prepay

First recorded in 1830–40; pre- + pay ¹

Explanation

When you cover the cost of something before you actually have it, you prepay. You'll have to prepay now for that new refrigerator — even though they won't deliver it for two months! You have to prepay for most things you purchase online or over the phone; your credit card is charged long before you can actually wear those new shoes or eat that takeout Thai food. Another way to prepay is to settle a bill early, before payment is due: "I'm going to prepay my rent through August." Pre- means "before," so whenever you pay beforehand, you prepay.

Example Sentences

He could also prepay funeral and burial expenses or pay off a credit card.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

The agreement, unveiled earlier this month, allows Meta to prepay for nuclear energy that will power its data centers in the region.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Netflix may prepay the loans, or reduce or terminate the unutilized portion of the commitments, without penalty, but prepaid amounts may not be reborrowed, according to the filing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

It may not make sense to prepay a 3% mortgage when you can earn 5% on a certificate of deposit, for example.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2024

This Valuable Catalogue will be forwarded to any gentleman inclosing Two Postage Stamps to prepay it.

From Notes and Queries, Number 211, November 12, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

Related Words

• compensate
• disburse
• extend
• grant
• handle
• meet
• offer
• present
• refund
• reimburse
• repay
• settle