bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən How to pronounce bullion (audio)
-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 Heavy bullion fringe ringing the skirt of an upholstered chair, or velvet drapes, are both classic looks. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 Charlotte sparkled in a floral Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen Headpiece of silver bullion and crystal that fashionably matched Princess Kate's, and completed the look with Mary Janes. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 May 2023 The indictment charges that Mr. Menendez, 69, who as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held sway over military sales, financing and other aid, secretly took hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including gold bullion, in return for helping the government of Egypt. Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2023 The coins or bullions placed in segregated storage are also the exact ones removed from the depository. The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 Feb. 2023 Investigators found $550,000 in cash, 13 bars of gold bullion and the Mercedes during a June 2022 search of the couple’s home in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and a safe deposit box in Ms. Menendez’s name. Tracey Tully, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023 Understand what specific silver bullion assets your IRA is allowed to own. The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 Feb. 2023 Gold Bullion Coins Gold bullion coins are also a popular form of physical gold investment. The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Apr. 2023 One-ounce Britannia gold coins are stacked together at Gold Investments Ltd. bullion dealers in an arranged photograph in London. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bullion.' 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

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 19 Mar. 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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