payoff

[ pey-awf, -of ]

noun

1. the payment of a salary, debt, wager, etc.
2. the time at which such payment is made.
3. the consequence, outcome, or final sequence in a series of events, actions, or circumstances:

   The payoff was when they fired him.

   Synonyms: finale, upshot, climax

4. Informal. the climax of something, especially a story or joke.
5. a settlement or reckoning, as in retribution or reward.
6. Informal. a bribe.

adjective

1. yielding results, especially rewarding or decisive results:

   The payoff play was the long pass into the end zone.

verb phrase

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of payoff¹

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

Example Sentences

MT data had an unexpected payoff: a deeper understanding of the risks of space weather events, which induce geoelectric currents that can fry electrical grid infrastructure.

From Science Magazine

But it’s too early in the life cycle to expect a payoff.

From Salon

In contrast, a running joke about the Donald obsessing about his hair has a fun, if gleefully nasty payoff in an episode involving Trump getting his head surgically stapled to impede his male pattern baldness.

From Salon

This program promised big payoffs for completing a certain number of rides within a set time period, such as $975 for completing 45 rides in a weekend, according to the FTC.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an easy climb with big payoffs for those who love ocean views.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consequence
• outcome
• payment
• reward
• settlement