debtor

noun

debt·​or ˈde-tər How to pronounce debtor (audio)
1
: one guilty of neglect or violation of duty
2
: one who owes a debt

Examples of debtor in a Sentence

The debtor agrees to pay the debt over a three-year period.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The other side: Blink Fitness' debtors made a filing Monday evening in support of the sale to PureGym in response to the objection. Richard Collings, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 In the 19th century, members of the debtors’ movement understood that their struggles were shared. Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 And the profits from that purchase will now be used to settle with FTX debtors and the US government. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024 For debtor nations, debt-for-nature swaps provide financial relief by reducing the burden of foreign debt, freeing up resources for other developmental needs. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for debtor 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debtor was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near debtor

Cite this Entry

“Debtor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debtor. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

debtor

noun
debt·​or ˈdet-ər How to pronounce debtor (audio)
1
: sinner
2
: one that owes a debt

Legal Definition

debtor

noun
debt·​or
: a person who owes a debt see also bankrupt compare creditor, obligee, obligor

Note: The Bankruptcy Act of 1978 calls the person concerned in a bankruptcy case the “debtor” as opposed to the “bankrupt.”

More from Merriam-Webster on debtor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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