NYT Dictionary

PAYOLA

/peɪˈoʊlə/
Nounpay-OLApay-ola · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A bribe given in exchange for a favor, such as one given in exchange for the promotion of goods or services (originally one given to a disk jockey to play a record).

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

Perhaps a blend of pay + Victrola, equivalent to pay + -ola.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

boodlebribegraftgratificationgratuitykickbackpayoffprotectionrebatesop

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.