[] () one of a number of payments that are made regularly over a period of time until sth has been paid for or an agreed amount has been paid （分期付款的）一期付款◆We paid for it by/in instalments. 我们分期付款买它。◆The loan can be repaid in 24 monthly instalments. 贷款可在 24 个月内分期偿还。◆The final instalment on the loan is due next week. 贷款的最後一期下月到期。◆They were unable to keep up (= continue to pay) the instalments. 他们不能继续支付这笔分期付款。⨁to keep up / pay / repay (the) instalments 继续支付／支付／偿还分期付款