What does iou mean?
Definitions for iou
iou
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word iou.
Princeton's WordNet
IOUnoun
an informal debt instrument; representing `I owe you'
Wiktionary
IOUnoun
An informal written note promising to pay the stated sum.
When David couldn't afford to match the money in the poker pot, he added an IOU for the remaining amount instead.
Etymology: From the pronunciation of "I owe you", not the initial letters.
Wikipedia
IOU
An IOU (abbreviated from the phrase "I owe you") is usually an informal document acknowledging debt. An IOU differs from a promissory note in that an IOU is not a negotiable instrument and does not specify repayment terms such as the time of repayment. IOUs usually specify the debtor, the amount owed, and sometimes the creditor. IOUs may be signed or carry distinguishing marks or designs to ensure authenticity. In some cases, IOUs may be redeemable for a specific product or service rather than a quantity of currency, constituting a form of scrip.
ChatGPT
iou
IOU, an abbreviation of "I owe you", is typically a written informal acknowledgment of a debt that is owed. It typically refers to an informal document that acknowledges a debt that one party owes to another. It is not a formal legal agreement, but it can still be used as proof of a financial obligation.
Wikidata
IOU
An IOU is usually an informal document acknowledging debt. An IOU differs from a promissory note in that an IOU is not a negotiable instrument and does not specify repayment terms such as the time of repayment. IOUs usually specify the debtor, the amount owed, and sometimes the creditor. IOUs may be signed or carry distinguishing marks or designs to ensure authenticity. In some cases, IOUs may be redeemable for a specific product or service rather than a quantity of currency.
Suggested Resources
IOU
What does IOU stand for? -- Explore the various meanings for the IOU acronym on the Abbreviations.com website.
Matched Categories
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of iou in Chaldean Numerology is: 5
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of iou in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9
Examples of iou in a Sentence
We recommend you don’t go out and spend $ 100 for a $ 14.99 toy, i have it on good authority Santa will send an IOU, and these will be back in stock right after the New Year.
Yet seven years and two presidents later, I remain caged in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, holding that long overdue IOU along with the unenviable title of the longest held Iranian-American hostage in history.
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Translations for iou
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
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"iou." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 26 Jan. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/iou>.
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