What does instalment mean?
An instalment is one part of a larger whole, especially one of a series of payments. People commonly speak of paying for a product in monthly or weekly instalments, meaning that the total cost is divided into successive amounts due at regular intervals. The word can also describe a section of a book, magazine, or other work that is released gradually, although “issue” or “episode” may be more suitable in some contexts. It is a practical word for describing anything delivered or paid for in stages. In British English, “instalment” is the standard spelling, while American English generally uses “installment”; the pronunciation is the same in both varieties.
nounOne of a series of successive payments made toward the full price of something. It can also refer to one part of a work that is published or issued progressively.
- One of a series of payments made toward the full price of something.
- A part of a work that is issued or published progressively.
"The remaining balance is payable in three monthly instalments."
"She paid the first instalment on the new car yesterday."
"The second instalment of the novel describes the family's move abroad."
The standard plural in British English; American English usually uses “installments.”
"The remaining two instalments are due at the end of the year."
One instalment can mean a payment, a published episode, or any single part of something that arrives step by step.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does instalment come from?
The word developed from the English verb “install” or its British variant “instal” together with the suffix “-ment,” a formation that indicates an action or result. “Install” came through Old French from Latin instal(l)are, meaning “to set in place” or “establish.” The payment sense developed from the idea of establishing a sum of money as a charge that could be paid in successive portions.
How instalment is actually used
In British English, instalment is the standard spelling, although installment is also widely understood. When referring to payments, it is commonly used with a time period, such as monthly or annual, or with an ordinal such as first or final.
Easily confused with instalment
Installment is the usual spelling in American English, while instalment is the standard British spelling; both are pronounced the same way.