mortgage

word

/ˈmɔɹɡədʒ/
MOR-gij
/mˈɔːɡɪdʒ/
MAW-gij

Definition

A mortgage is a loan used to buy a home or other property, which is then used as security for the loan. If the borrower does not make the payments, the lender can take the property.

Usage & Nuances

Most often refers to a home loan. Common collocations are 'take out a mortgage', 'pay off a mortgage', 'mortgage rates', and 'monthly mortgage payment'. In everyday speech, people may say 'mortgage' when they mean both the loan and the monthly payment.

Example Sentences

Her mortgage payment is due tomorrow.

basic

We still have twenty years left on our mortgage.

basic

Half my paycheck seems to go straight to the mortgage.

natural

They got a mortgage to buy their first house.

basic

We're thinking about refinancing our mortgage while rates are low.

natural

They finally paid off their mortgage, and you could see the relief on their faces.

natural