Invoice: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in business contexts to request payment for goods or services provided. Usually issued by companies to clients and may include detailed descriptions of what is being billed.

• The supplier sent an invoice for the last shipment of office supplies.
• Please ensure that the invoice is paid within 30 days.

Commonly applied in both business and everyday contexts. It can refer to a statement of money owed for various services, such as utilities, dining, or medical services.

• I received the electricity bill in the mail today.
• The bill for dinner came to $50.

Generally used in financial contexts to provide a summary of transactions within a given period, such as bank statements or monthly credit card statements.

• I reviewed my bank statement to check for any unauthorized charges.
• The credit card statement shows all purchases made during the last month.

Typically given to a customer as proof of payment. It confirms that the customer has paid for a product or service and details what was purchased.

• Keep your receipt in case you need to return any items.
• The cashier handed me a receipt after I paid for my groceries.

Used in formal business settings when charging a company or client for goods or services. Invoices are usually detailed and itemized.

• We sent the invoice to the client for the delivered products.
• Please ensure the invoice is settled within 30 days.

Commonly used in daily life when charging for goods or services, such as at restaurants or utility companies. Bills are less formal than invoices.

• The waiter handed us the bill after our meal.
• I need to pay the electricity bill this week.

Used to describe the act of requiring payment for goods or services. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Sometimes has a negative connotation when it's unexpected or seen as unfair.

• The hotel charged us an extra fee for late checkout.
• How much do they charge for a subscription?

Used to describe an insistent and urgent request for payment. Generally carries a negative connotation and implies urgency or severity.

• The company issued a demand for immediate payment of the overdue balance.
• We received a demand letter from the debt collector.