PAYOFF Definition & Meaning

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payoff

[ pey-awf, -of ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the payment of a salary, debt, wager, etc.
the time at which such payment is made.
the consequence, outcome, or final sequence in a series of events, actions, or circumstances:
The payoff was when they fired him.
Synonyms: , ,
Informal. the climax of something, especially a story or joke.
a settlement or reckoning, as in retribution or reward.
Informal. a bribe.

adjective

yielding results, especially rewarding or decisive results:
The payoff play was the long pass into the end zone.

verb phrase

1. to pay (someone) everything that is due that person, especially to do so and discharge from one's employ.
2. to pay (a debt) in full.
3. Informal. to bribe.
4. to retaliate upon or punish; pay back.
5. to result in success or failure:
  The risk paid off handsomely.
6. Nautical. to fall off to leeward.

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of payoff¹

First recorded in 1910–15; noun, adjective use of verb phrase pay off

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Klowden said the challenge is the inflationary effects of the tariffs will begin immediately, but it could take years for any payoff.

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Now it’s time to turn their downcast eyes toward the expected payoff.

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If he's right, the payoff could be a generational political realignment on this issue.

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Regardless of the location, the payoff in the last episode is unlike anything I’ve seen before on American television.

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You can play as fast or slow as you want and your eyes are transfixed on the middle of the machine where you see the traditional symbols of cherries, dollar signs and jackpot payoffs.

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