fiat

noun

fi·​at ˈfē-ət How to pronounce fiat (audio)
-ˌat,
-ˌät;
ˈfī-ət,
-ˌat How to pronounce fiat (audio)
1
: an authoritative or arbitrary order : decree
government by fiat
2
: an authoritative determination : dictate
a fiat of conscience
3
: a command or act of will that creates something without or as if without further effort
According to the Bible, the world was created by fiat.

Examples of fiat in a Sentence

He runs the company by fiat. the school principal issued a fiat that caps were not to be worn inside the school, and that was that
Recent Examples on the Web The world’s largest digital asset has quickly become a preferred store of value for many investors, especially those looking to hedge against fiat currency depreciation. Frank Holmes, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 This erosion of trust in fiat currency enhances gold’s appeal as a reliable store of value. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 Moreover, this fiat couldn’t be construed as anything but personal and punitive; after all, the diaries are available both at Cornell and at the British Library, where my own literary papers are archived—so, freely available to anyone who should wish to novelize their mother’s life. Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Investors tend to flock to gold, in particular, in times of economic turbulence — especially amid fears that the fiat dollar may lose its value, due to inflation or other factors. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fiat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fiat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, let it be done, 3rd singular present subjunctive of fieri to become, be done — more at be

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of fiat was circa 1631

Cite this Entry

“Fiat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiat. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fiat

noun
fi·​at ˈfē-ət How to pronounce fiat (audio) -at How to pronounce fiat (audio)
-ät;
ˈfī-ət,
-at
: an order from someone in charge

Legal Definition

1
: decree
2
: an authoritative but arbitrary order
a brazen act of judicial fiatL. H. Tribe

More from Merriam-Webster on fiat

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