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

Investors should explore dedicated bullion insurance policies or choose storage options that include coverage. —Max Baecker, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

The state also hopes to attract new business in the financial sector — such as gold vaulting services, bullion dealers, and alternative asset investors. —Luciano Duque, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025

Stock photograph showing gold bullion bars at the ABC Refinery in Sydney on August 5, 2020. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025

With spot prices surging 30% so far in 2025, bullion’s gains are outpacing that of other traditional safe havens such as the Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and U.S. Treasurys — compelling investors to rethink what true safety looks like in the face of fiscal sustainability concerns and looming wars. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 June 2025

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