ratepayer
Americannoun
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a person who pays a regular charge for the use of a public utility, as gas or electricity, usually based on the quantity consumed.
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British. a person who pays rates; a taxpayer of the local government.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ratepayer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The White House did not respond to MarketWatch’s request for additional details about the ratepayer protection pledge.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026
“It also puts downward pressure on rates because we are not using ratepayer dollars to build infrastructure.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025
“We have to invest more. But the money has to come from somewhere. And I guess right now we’re just saying, ‘It comes from you, local ratepayer, so you’re on your own,’” Pierce said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2025
And nine states suggested that utilities be required to disclose how their trade associations spend ratepayer money.
From Slate ● Dec. 19, 2023
I, a benevolent ratepayer, will allow it to take its dues; it is precisely to benefit it that I have sown a few rows of the beloved plant in a corner of my garden.
From Social Life in the Insect World by Bernard Miall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
