What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
payor
Example
The payor must ensure that the payment is made on time. [payor: noun]
Example
The insurance company is the primary payor for this medical procedure. [payor: adjective]
payer
Example
The payer can choose to pay by cash or credit card. [payer: noun]
Example
The insurance company is the primary payer for this medical procedure. [payer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Payer is more commonly used than payor in everyday language, and is the preferred spelling in many contexts. Payor is less common and may be considered a variant spelling of payer.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between payor and payer?
Payor can imply a more formal or legal tone, while payer is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.