monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmä-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce monetary (audio)
 also  ˈmə-
: of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy
a crime committed for monetary gain
a government's monetary policy
monetarily
ˌmä-nə-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce monetary (audio)
 also  ˌmə-
adverb

Examples of monetary in a Sentence

a crime committed for monetary gain Gold was once the basis of the U.S. monetary system.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is offering a monetary reward for information regarding the remaining suspects. Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 22 May 2025 Submitting a brief or other document without certifying the truth of its factual assertions, including citations to other cases or court decisions, is a violation of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which renders lawyers vulnerable to monetary sanctions or disciplinary actions. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 The group, which does not license songs for third-party advertising, originally sought $150,000 in monetary damages, a takedown of the commercials, and an order preventing Brinker from using their work moving forward. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025 In any event, the state is seeking various forms of monetary penalties and injunctive relief. Josiah Neeley, Oc Register, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for monetary

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monetarius of a mint, of money, from Latin moneta

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monetary was in 1663

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monetary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monetary. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

monetary

adjective
mon·​e·​tary ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce monetary (audio)
 also  ˈmən-
: of or relating to money
this administration's monetary policy

More from Merriam-Webster on monetary

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