Banknotes: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in formal and financial contexts to refer to paper money issued by a central bank.

• The banknotes were carefully counted before being deposited
• Many collectors specialize in rare and old banknotes

Primarily used in American English to refer to any piece of paper money. It can also refer to an invoice or statement of charges.

• He paid with a hundred-dollar bill
• I got the bill for dinner yesterday

Commonly used in British English to refer to paper money. It is also used more broadly to refer to a short written or printed message.

• She handed the cashier a ten-pound note
• He left a note on the fridge reminding her to buy milk

Used in general contexts to distinguish currency in the form of paper from coins. This term is more descriptive and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• In some countries, paper money is gradually being replaced by digital currency
• The history of paper money dates back centuries

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to physical money issued by a bank, usually in informal and formal settings.

• She pulled out a few banknotes to pay for the groceries
• The ATM dispensed banknotes in various denominations

Often used in more formal contexts, such as financial documents, academic discussions, or official announcements.

• The government announced the introduction of new currency notes to prevent counterfeiting
• Currency notes of larger denominations are rarely used in daily transactions

Usually used in technical or economic discussions to distinguish physical currency from coins or digital money.

• The report analyzed the impact of digital payments on the demand for paper currency
• Collectors often seek old paper currency from different countries