bullion

noun

bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən How to pronounce bullion (audio) -ˌyän How to pronounce bullion (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for bullion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullion was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Bullion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullion. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bullion

noun
bul·​lion ˈbu̇l-yən How to pronounce bullion (audio)
: gold or silver especially in bars or blocks

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