English

Alternative forms

• hire-purchase (attributive)

Noun

hire purchase ‎(plural hire purchases)

1. (Britain) A method of purchasing an item, where the buyer hires it and takes possession of it and pays regular installments. Ownership is only transferred on payment of the final amount. Abbreviated as HP.

Synonyms

• never-never

Translations

Usage notes

• Although originally from the UK, the term and practice is now more widespread and used in Australasia and India.

See also

• installment plan