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 Senate wants to end the sales tax exemption on the sale of gold bullion valued at $1,000 or more. —Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

Costco and Walmart both offer gold bullion, as does Amazon, but the prices aren’t as competitive and therefore not our top pick. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026

Until last week, the trend in recent months had largely been the opposite, as bullion repeatedly hit record prices while Bitcoin tumbled. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026

Then, there comes the question of what type of bullion to purchase. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 Mar. 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