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

President Harry Truman offered $100 million − about $1.3 billion today − in gold bullion for the world's largest island in the post-World War II era. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025

In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold bullion for the territory. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025

The Most Expensive Christmas tree One of the most expensive Christmas trees ever, this one was crafted out of $5.5 million worth of bullion in Bavaria, Munich. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Just like Judas sold Jesus out for a bag of coins and sealed it with a kiss, Thomas unwittingly signs his wife over to Orlok for a sack of bullion. —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2024

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