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

For that occasion, the royal mother and daughter duo were also coordinated in matching silver bullion and crystal flower crowns by Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen. —Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 19 July 2024

One kilogram gold bullion at the YLG Bullion International Co. headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 July 2024

He’s also accused of abusing his position to advance lucrative Qatari interests in exchange for gold bullion bars, flashy watches and Formula 1 tickets, along with other lavish gifts. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024

Central bank buying has been a key driver of bullion’s rally this year that sent prices to a record in May. —Nick Bartlett, Fortune, 7 July 2024

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