NOTE to parents, teachers, and educators of every kind:
Use this definition as a simple, kid-friendly teaching tool. Click this link to view the full index of current money terms and definitions, and learn how to use the Sammy Rabbit dictionary to support teaching and learning.
Word and Category
Word: Pay (Salary)
Related Definition: Salary • Income
Category: System Word
What this category means:
System words explain how money is earned and organized in the real world. They help children understand how money comes in and how people get paid for work.
Definitions
In Simple Words
Pay is the money you earn for doing a job.
Pay is money people receive for their work.
A Little More Grown-Up
Pay is money a person receives in exchange for work or services. It can be earned as a salary, wages, or hourly pay.
Context Clues
You may see the word “pay” in Sammy Rabbit stories and activities when kids learn how adults earn money, get paid on payday, or receive money for work they do.
Sammy Says Sentences
Sammy Says: “Pay is how work turns into money!”
Silly Sentence
My piggy bank asked for pay after holding my money all week.
Serious Sentence
People earn pay by doing work.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
I worked all day in every way, then smiled wide on payday!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
When I earn pay and plan its way, my money lasts from day to day.
Money Habit Sentences and Connection
Money Habit Sentences:
Earning pay for work can lead to a good earning habit. Spending pay without a plan can lead to a bad money habit.
Share with kids:
Learning about pay helps kids understand where money comes from and why work matters.
Examples of Pay
Money earned from a job
Weekly or monthly pay
Pay received on payday
Money earned for work done
Examples of What Is Not Pay
Money given as a gift
Money found
Pretend money in a game
Related Money Words
Salary • Income • Earn • Job • Work
Opposite Money Words
Unpaid • Volunteer
Questions for Kids
Ask your child or student: “What kind of work do you think people do to earn pay?”
Remember
Pay is money earned from work, and planning how to use it helps build strong money habits.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
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Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com, starting with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
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