bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən  -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

It’s estimated that about 40 percent of all gold mined each year goes into jewelry and watches, and another 40 percent goes into investment products (bars, coins, and bullion). —Jill Newman, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2026

Pawn and coin shop owners across the country tell CNN that more people than ever before are coming to sell gold or silver bars, bullions, silverware or broken jewelry. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

There's no need to open a bullion account, verify a dealer or navigate unfamiliar checkout processes, which may be the case with other precious metals dealers. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

The bullion rose more than 3% to breach the $5,500 per ounce mark for the first time. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026

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

Kids Definition

bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən 

: gold or silver especially in bars or blocks