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 problem is, which this case so well illustrates, that to the extent that the debtor has the ability reacquire the assets then potentially so does a creditor. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The debt collector should negotiate with the debtor prior to initiating a lawsuit. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 The declaration said that the debtor’s principals have contributed around $2 million to the company in the past two and a half years. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 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

Rhymes for debtor

See All Rhymes for debtor

Browse Nearby Words

debt of record
debtor
debtor nation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debtor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debtor. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of debtor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about debtor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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