paying

word · lemma: pay

/ˈpeɪɪŋ/
PAY-ing
/pˈeɪɪŋ/
PAY-ing

Definition

Giving money for something, such as a product, service, bill, or debt. It is the present participle of 'pay' and is often used in continuous tenses or before a noun, as in 'paying customer'.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used in structures like 'is paying for', 'paying by card', and 'paying attention'. Note that 'paying' is not only about money: in 'paying attention', it means giving focus. 'Paying customer' means a customer who actually spends money, not just any visitor.

Example Sentences

She is paying by card.

basic

I am paying for the coffee now.

basic

The store has many paying customers.

basic

Who's paying for dinner tonight?

natural

Thanks for paying attention to the details.

natural

We're still paying for that mistake years later.

natural