bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən  -ˌyän 

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

Several central banks have also followed investors — both retail and institutional — in buying gold bullion, reminiscent of their actions during the global financial crisis 2008-09 and the transition to a low interest rate climate. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Gold bullion or gold jewelry Physical gold includes anything from gold bullion — investment-quality gold with a purity of 99.5% (995) in the shape of bars, ingots, coins or rounds — to jewelry and other collectibles. —Nathan Mahr, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025

Dave Ramsden, a deputy governor at the central bank, said recently that he had been delayed getting to work because of a truck parked in the bullion yard at the bank. —Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

The new tariffs won’t include imports of copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber or bullion, the site states. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025

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

Kids Definition

bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən 

: gold or silver especially in bars or blocks