Paystub: meaning, definitions and examples
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paystub
[ ˈpeɪˌstʌb ]
financial document
A paystub is a document provided by an employer to an employee that details the employee's earnings and deductions for a specific pay period. It typically accompanies a paycheck and serves as proof of income, listing gross pay, net pay, and itemized deductions such as taxes and benefits.
Synonyms
earnings statement, paycheck, wage statement
Examples of usage
- Make sure to keep your paystub for tax purposes.
- The paystub showed a significant increase in overtime pay.
- She reviewed her paystub to understand her retirement contributions.
Etymology
The word 'paystub' combines 'pay,' which comes from the Old French 'paie,' derived from the Latin 'pacare' meaning 'to appease, to satisfy', and 'stub,' originally from the Old English 'stubbe,' referring to a fragment or piece of something. The use of the term 'paystub' emerged in the United States in the late 20th century as payroll systems became more intricate and employees began to receive detailed documentation outlining their earnings and deductions. With the rise of labor rights and the demand for transparency in employee compensation, the paystub became an essential tool for workers to verify their pay and understand the various deductions applied. Over the years, the design and format of paystubs have evolved, but they remain a critical component in the employment and financial sectors.