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

On Wednesday, the WGC — a trade body that represents the gold industry — launched a proposal for the roll-out of Pooled Gold Interest (PGI) tokens backed by physical gold bars held in London, which could be used to trade bullion and use it as collateral. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025

The yellow metal has soared roughly 35% this year as central banks have expanded reserves of bullion and investors have flocked to safe haven investments. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

Menē, started by former gold bullion trader Roy Sebag and art historian and curator Diana Picasso, is a disruptive jewelry brand which sells solid gold and platinum jewels and objects — including buttons, dog tags and chess pieces — by weight, intended as investments to hold capital. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

However, royal fans fell in love with Charlotte's outfit, including her headpiece which matched her mother Kate's silver bullion and crystal flower crown by Jess Collet and Alexander McQueen. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 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