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

Some profit-taking was likely behind yesterday’s pullback in both bullion and the miners. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025

Central banks in India and China have been buying bullion to boost their reserves. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

At the time of writing the price of gold bullion sits at a little under $4,000 per troy ounce, a figure which many analysts are expecting will steeply jump once or twice more over the next year. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025

Central banks around the world have been consistent buyers, topping up their reserves with bullion in record amounts. —Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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