# payday

/ˈpeɪˌdeɪ/ (US) · /pˈeɪdeɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/payday
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

the day when you receive your salary or wages for the work you have done. It is often a day people look forward to for shopping or paying bills.

For teachers: the specific day on which an employee receives their earned wages or salary. Often used figuratively to refer to a significant financial gain or reward.

## Examples

- Everyone is happy because tomorrow is payday.
- Since Friday is payday, the team decided to go out for an expensive lunch to celebrate their hard work.
- The retail sector often sees a predictable surge in consumer spending during the final weekend of the month, coinciding with the local payday for most office workers.

## Usage notes

- Usually countable when referring to the specific calendar date; can be uncountable when referring to the general concept of receiving payment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.