What does installment mean?
An installment is one payment in a series of payments for a purchase or debt, or one part of a larger work released in successive portions. The best-known use is financial: a customer may pay for furniture, a vehicle, or tuition through monthly installments until the full amount is settled. The word can also describe the first or a subsequent part of a serialized story, a course, or a publication. In this second sense, an installment is not necessarily a payment but a segment intended to be followed by others. Installment is the standard American spelling, while instalment is particularly common in British English. Both forms can sound formal because the word is associated with contracts, credit plans, and organized publication, although it is also ordinary in everyday consumer contexts. The word is useful when the focus is not on the complete object or work, but on one stage of a continuing process.
One of a series of payments made at intervals toward a debt or purchase price.
"The furniture shop offers interest-free payment in twelve installments."
Frequently used with monthly, quarterly, annual, first, or final.
One of several successive parts of a larger work, especially a story, serial, course, or publication.
"The final installment of the mystery novel was published yesterday."
This sense is common in publishing and educational contexts and does not necessarily involve payment.
The plural is commonly used when referring to a series of payments or successive parts of a work.
"She completed all the installments before the end of the year."
An installment turns a large expense into manageable steps—and the word can also mean a chapter-like piece of a larger story.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does installment come from?
The word entered English in the 18th century in the sense of a payment made at intervals, developing from instalment, which was based on French installement. Its underlying verb is install, from Latin installare, meaning to place or set in. The same Latin root also underlies installation and, in a related development, instil, meaning to place gradually into the mind or spirit.
Related word forms
How installment is actually used
In American English, installment is the usual spelling, although instalment is also accepted. British English commonly uses instalment. The payment sense is especially associated with credit agreements, subscriptions, and large purchases.
Easily confused with installment
An installment is a payment or part of a larger work, while an install is the action of putting something in place.
Instalment is a common British spelling variant of installment; the two forms have the same meaning.