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

The bullion, often used as a safe store of value during times of political and financial uncertainty, has rallied to new heights recently with prices surpassing $3,500 per ounce in April. —Yun Li, CNBC, 8 May 2025

The Fund's financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, with the valuation of gold bullion being a critical accounting policy. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 12 Feb. 2025

Remember raiding federal buildings or stealing gold bullion? —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 May 2025

Here’s how to do just that, with each play ranked from worst to best: Gold ETFs: Not Bad (But No Dividends) The go-to gold ETF, the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), tracks the price of gold bullion, less expenses, and boasts a fee of about 0.40% of assets. —Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 May 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