debt service

noun

: the amount of interest and sinking fund payments due annually on long-term debt

Examples of debt service in a Sentence

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.
But over the last 12 months, inflation has nearly kept pace with hourly wage gains — and that understates the extent of the problem because debt service costs are not included in the consumer price index. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Debt for any company can be necessary and useful if balanced by the ability to pay the debt service. — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026 And when interest rates rise, of course, the federal government, which owes so much money, pays more in debt service. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 The cost of the GOP reconciliation package rises 42 percent when debt service costs are included. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for debt service

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of debt service was in 1929

Rhymes for debt service

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Browse Nearby Words

debt-ridden
debt service
debt slavery
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Cite this Entry

“Debt service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debt%20service. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

debt service

noun
: the amount of interest and principal payments due annually on long-term debt
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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