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

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

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