billy

1 of 2

noun (1)

bil·​ly ˈbi-lē How to pronounce billy (audio)
plural billies
chiefly Australia and New Zealand
: a metal or enamelware pail or pot with a lid and wire bail

called also billycan

billy

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural billies

Examples of billy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While the law doesn’t explicitly define a billy, courts have determined it to be any kind of stick, bat or baton that is intended to be used as a weapon. Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'billy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Scots billy-pot cooking utensil

Noun (2)

probably from the name Billy

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1839, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of billy was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near billy

Cite this Entry

“Billy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/billy. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

billy

noun
bil·​ly
ˈbil-ē
plural billies

More from Merriam-Webster on billy

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