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Bills Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bills

[bɪlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

money

Bills refer to paper money, especially in the form of banknotes. They are used as a medium of exchange in daily transactions.

Synonyms

banknotes, cash, currency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bills

In this context, 'bills' is a repetition and would refer to the same meanings as the first instance.

  • Refer to the first 'bills' entry.
banknotes

A more formal term to describe paper money issued by a country's central bank. This term is often used in official and financial contexts.

  • The Central Bank announced the release of new banknotes.
  • He handed over a couple of fifty-pound banknotes.
currency

A broad term used to describe the money in circulation within a particular country or economic region, which includes both coins and banknotes. Commonly used in financial, economic, and international contexts.

  • The exchange rate for foreign currency has changed.
  • Travelers often need to exchange their currency when visiting another country.
cash

Refers to physical money like coins and banknotes that is readily available for transactions. Often used in everyday conversations when discussing immediate payments.

  • I prefer to pay in cash when I go shopping.
  • Do you have enough cash to cover the bill?

Examples of usage

  • I need to pay my bills at the end of the month.
  • He pulled out a wad of bills to pay for the dinner.
Context #2 | Noun

legislation

Bills also refer to proposed laws that are introduced in a legislature for consideration. They go through a series of readings and debates before becoming law.

Synonyms

act, legislation, proposal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legislation

Use 'legislation' as a general term for laws or regulations that are being proposed, debated, or already established by a legislative body.

  • The government is working on new legislation to combat climate change.
  • Several pieces of legislation were passed during this parliamentary session.
proposal

Use 'proposal' when referring to the initial suggestion or plan put forward for consideration, but not yet in the form of a draft bill.

  • His proposal to reduce taxes was met with both support and criticism.
  • The committee reviewed several proposals before making their decision.
act

Use 'act' when referring to a law that has already been approved and enacted by a legislative body.

  • The Civil Rights Act was a landmark piece of legislation in the 1960s.
  • The new act will come into effect next year.

Examples of usage

  • The senator introduced a bill to increase funding for education.
  • The bill was passed by a narrow margin in the parliament.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'bills'

The term 'bills' originated from the Latin word 'bulla', which means a seal. In medieval Europe, sealed documents represented value or authenticity, eventually evolving into paper money. The concept of legislative bills dates back to ancient Rome, where proposals for new laws were written on tablets. Over time, bills became a fundamental part of modern governance.

See also: bill, billable, billboard, billing, billow.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,277, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.