bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən How to pronounce bullion (audio) -ˌyän How to pronounce bullion (audio)
1
a
: gold or silver considered as so much metal
the bullion contained in a silver dollar
specifically : uncoined gold or silver in bars or ingots
over a million dollars in gold bullion
b
: metal in the mass
lead bullion
2
clothing : lace, braid, or fringe of gold or silver threads
the bullion on his uniform

Examples of bullion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Trust's financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, with the valuation of gold bullion being a critical accounting policy. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Goldfinger uses it to smuggle bullion out of England, crossing the famous Furka Pass in Switzerland to reach his Auric Enterprises smelting plant, where the body panels will be melted down. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024 Lately, much of the demand has come from central banks buying bullion like gangbusters—a bid to cut reliance on the greenback. Nick Rockel, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 There was a rack dedicated to blazers, of which there were over two dozen, and naturally, there were plenty of J. Crew pieces — including a one-of-a-kind jacket made with real gold bullion and crystals priced at $100. Anna Kodé, New York Times, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for bullion 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French billion, bullion melting house, bullion, probably blend of Middle French bille ingot, piece of money (from Old French, log) and Anglo-French *bulliun, buillun cauldron, from Old French boillon froth on boiling liquid, broth — more at billet, bouillon

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near bullion

Cite this Entry

“Bullion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullion. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bullion

noun
bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən How to pronounce bullion (audio)
: gold or silver especially in bars or blocks

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