simple interest

noun

: interest paid or computed on the original principal only of a loan or on the amount of an account

Examples of simple interest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For terms 1 year or less, the penalty is 90 days simple interest. Layla Melendez, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025 This works against the borrower as more money is needed to pay the loan back than just the principal and simple interest. Mary Luquette, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 The city has agreed to loan the value of the building, or $45.6 million as established by the developer’s appraisal, at a simple interest rate of 4%. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025 Search term: Compound interest Many people apparently don't realize how these differ from simple interest. Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 The down payment assistance is a 30-year deferred loan carrying a simple interest rate, which accrues annually. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 Unlike simple interest rates, APR reflects the total cost of a loan, including origination fees, closing costs, and other charges. True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simple interest was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simple interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simple%20interest. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

simple interest

noun
: interest paid or figured on the original amount only of a loan or on the amount of an account

Legal Definition

simple interest

see interest sense 5

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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