installment
UK: ɪnˈstɔːlmənt | US: ɪnˈstɔːlmənt
n. a sum of money due as one of several equal payments for something, spread over an agreed period of time
n. a part of a serialized story, program, or other work
n. the act of installing or being installed (less common usage)
The word "installment" originates from the verb "install," which combines "in-" (into) and "stall" (from Old French "estaler," meaning "to place"). The suffix "-ment" transforms it into a noun, denoting the result or process of the action. Historically, "install" referred to placing someone formally in a position (e.g., a bishop in a church). Over time, "installment" evolved to describe incremental placements—whether payments, story parts, or physical installations—emphasizing gradual, structured delivery.
She paid for the car in monthly installments.
The novel was published in weekly installments.
The final installment of the movie trilogy releases next year.
He couldn’t wait for the next installment of the podcast.
The installment of the new software took several hours.