How to Pronounce "payola"

word

ˌpeɪˈoʊɫə

pay-OH-luh

peɪˈəʊlɐ

pay-OH-luh

Definition

Payola is the illegal practice of paying money or giving gifts to radio stations or DJs to get certain songs played more often. It most often refers to corruption in the music industry.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˌpeɪˈoʊɫə

British English

peɪˈəʊlɐ

Simplified Pronunciation

pay-OH-luh

Listen in Context

Payola is illegal in the music industry.

Some DJs lost their jobs after a payola scandal.

They investigated the radio station for payola.

Many hits from the 1950s were pushed with payola behind the scenes.