monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmä-nə-ˌter-ē 

 also  ˈmə-

: of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy

a crime committed for monetary gain

a government's monetary policy

monetarily

ˌmä-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

 also  ˌmə-

adverb

Synonyms

• financial
• fiscal
• economic

Examples of monetary in a Sentence

a crime committed for monetary gain

Gold was once the basis of the U.S. monetary system.

Recent Examples on the Web

This divergence in expectations highlights the uncertainty surrounding monetary policy and its impact on the economy. —CNBC, 17 Aug. 2025

However, economic data suggests that the FOMC may have to manage a monetary policy trade-off over the coming months. —Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025

When monetary policy differences are modest, members have ample reason to stay on the chair’s good side. —Bill Dudley, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2025

The organization is currently accepting monetary donations but cannot receive food or product donations due to storage limitations. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monetarius of a mint, of money, from Latin moneta

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monetary

• monetary aggregate
• monetary unit

Rhymes for monetary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē 

 also  ˈmən-

: of or relating to money

this administration's monetary policy