IOU

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Essentially, you borrow from the account and create an IOU to yourself.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Credit is the promise to pay money, an IOU.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

If the players acknowledge the worth of the IOU and its holder bets it as if it were cash, it must be accepted at face value by the pot’s winner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Governments sell bonds - essentially an IOU - to raise money for public spending and in return they pay interest.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2025

Since I can’t afford to buy Dad that engraved picture frame until Mrs. Gilbert can afford to pay me, I decide to give him a handmade IOU.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein