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

Simply buying popular bullion products like American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs or standard gold bars typically doesn't generate an IRS report by itself, however. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

Regulators note that bullion is typically priced at the market price plus a premium, but those premiums often range from 5% to 10%, according to the CFTC. —Jessica Walrack, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Buying gold bullion from retailers is one way to get in on the action. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026

Nearly half of all gold in the world, however, is used for jewellery, which on average generates 300% more value than bullion. —Bright Simons, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026

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