payola

noun pay·o·la \pā-ˈō-lə\

: money that is paid to someone for illegally helping to sell or advertise a product

: the illegal practice of giving or receiving payola

Full Definition of PAYOLA

: undercover or indirect payment (as to a disc jockey) for a commercial favor (as for promoting a particular recording)

See payola defined for English-language learners

¹pay + -ola (as in Pianola, trademark for a player piano)

First Known Use: 1938

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