Real Dictionary

deposit
A deposit is a sum of money which is part of the full price of something, and which you pay when you agree to buy it.
A deposit is a sum of money which you pay when you start renting something. The money is returned to you if you do not damage what you have rented.

deposit in Accounting
verb: If you deposit money in a bank account, you put it there.

deposit in American English
something placed or entrusted for safekeeping; specif., money put in a bank
to place or entrust for safekeeping
intransitive verb: to be placed, inserted, precipitated, left for safekeeping, given as security or in partial payment, etc.
noun: money placed in a bank account or an instance of placing money in a bank account
transitive verb: to place for safekeeping or in trust, esp. in a bank account

deposit in British English
to put or set down, esp carefully or in a proper place; place
noun: an instance of entrusting money or valuables to a bank or similar institution

deposit in Hospitality
noun: A deposit is a sum of money which you pay when you book a room at a hotel or guest house. The amount is taken off your final bill when you leave.