Definitions for arrears

• Definition
• Anagrams (70)

arrears ar·rears

Spelling: [uh-reerz]

IPA: /əˈrɪərz/

Arrears is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 7 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 7 points.

You can make 70 anagrams from letters in arrears (aaerrrs).

Definitions for arrears

Idioms

1. in arrears, behind or late, especially in payment: Also, Chiefly Law, in arrear.

plural noun

1. the state of being behind or late, especially in the fulfillment of a duty, promise, obligation, or the like:
2. Sometimes, arrear. something overdue in payment; a debt that remains unpaid:

Origin of arrears

1300-50; noun use of arrear (adv., now obsolete), Middle English arere behind Middle French ≪ Latin ad retrō. See ad-, retro-

Examples for arrears

He has a right to claim six years' arrears—that is above L100,000.

In 1649 the arrears of the lessees having reached the sum of £974 5s.

Can you get all your arrears of penitence done up in six weeks, Sally?

The arrears of wages were paid up, and the garrison was increased.

“I promise you shall receive all arrears at Rouen,” replied the other.

So, that just when I might have had all arrears paid up, perhaps, and perhaps—who knows?

He may claim all arrears of rent; and if so, we are more than beggars.

He was a clerk in a department store, and his board was generally in arrears.

But he had other reasons: he was in arrears to his bookseller, his tailor, and other tradesmen.

The landlord had called that morning for his rent, which was long in arrears.