subscription

From Latin subscriptiō; by surface analysis, sub- +‎ script +‎ -ion. All senses reflect (either literally or figuratively) the notion of signing one's own name beneath some promise or description to indicate that one agrees with it or agrees to it.

• IPA^(key): /səbˈskɹɪpʃən/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: sub‧scrip‧tion

subscription (countable and uncountable, plural subscriptions)

1. Access to a resource for a period of time, generally for payment.

   subscription fee;   available by subscription

   I have a monthly subscription to the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

   My library subscription is about to expire.

   • 1951 April, “Preservation of the Talyllyn Railway”, in Railway Magazine, number 600, page 218:

     The Society, which is a non-profit-making organisation, is inviting enthusiasts to become members at a minimum annual subscription of £1.

   • 1967, “When the Music’s Over”, in Strange Days, performed by The Doors:

     Cancel my subscription to the Resurrection / Send my credentials to the House of Detention / I got some friends inside

   1. (attributively) Available only via such access.

      Coordinate term: paywalled (often coinstantial)

      subscription model;   subscription content

2. The formal acceptance of something, especially when verified with a signature.
3. The signing of one's name.
4. Contributing or promising to contribute money to a common fund.