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

There are many ways to buy in, too, from purchasing physical gold bullion or coins to opening a gold individual retirement account (IRA) or buying gold stocks. —Aly J Yale, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

The kidnappers demanded one billion yen in cash and 100 kilograms of gold bullion. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

Gold leasing is not a new phenomenon, with large institutional players such as central banks and major bullion banks being the traditional strongholds in the space. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Nov. 2025

With bullion’s increasing prices as of late, that figure could be anything; for now, though, the opening bid is set around $10 million. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 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