subscription

noun

sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce subscription (audio)
plural subscriptions
1
a
: the act of signing one's name (as in attesting or witnessing a document)
b
: the acceptance (as of ecclesiastical articles of faith) attested by the signing of one's name
2
: something that is subscribed: such as
a
: an autograph signature
also : a paper to which a signature is attached
b
: a sum subscribed or pledged
3
: an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature especially on a prepayment plan: such as
a
: a purchase by prepayment for a certain number of regular deliveries of something (such as issues of a periodical) or for a certain period of access to or use of something (such as an online service)
b
: application to purchase securities of a new issue
c
: a method of offering or presenting a series of public performances
d
British : membership dues

Examples of subscription in a Sentence

I'm going to renew my subscription. You won't find this magazine at newsstands. It's sold only by subscription.
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.
Memberships and subscriptions: Offer recurring value such as exclusive content, community, or tools in exchange for monthly payments. Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 The Devil Wears Prada is available for streaming on Disney+ with a subscription, and on Hulu with a premium subscription. Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 23 May 2025 The previous 47 seasons of the show are all available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription. Emily Deletter, USA Today, 23 May 2025 Ahead, find a few ways to watch Kevin Costner’s The West with and without a cable subscription. Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for subscription

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subscripcion mark at the end of a document, concluding formula, from Anglo-French, from Latin subscription-, subscriptio, from subscribere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of subscription was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subscription. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

subscription

noun
sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce subscription (audio)
1
: an act or instance of subscribing
2
: something (as a document containing a signature) that is subscribed
3
: an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature on a prepayment plan
especially : a purchase of a certain number of future issues (as of a magazine)

Medical Definition

subscription

noun
sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce subscription (audio)
: a part of a prescription that contains directions to the pharmacist

Legal Definition

subscription

noun
sub·​scrip·​tion səb-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce subscription (audio)
1
: the act of signing one's name (as in attesting or witnessing a document)
2
: something that is subscribed
specifically : a sum subscribed or pledged
a charitable subscription
3
: an agreement to purchase securities (as stocks) of a new issue and especially of a prospective corporation compare warrant sense 3b

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