Meaning

A written list or inventory. (Now obsolete except in specific senses or set phrases; bill of lading, bill of goods, etc.).

Definitions by Sense

1. A written list or inventory. (Now obsolete except in specific senses or set phrases; bill of lading, bill of goods, etc.)
2. A document, originally sealed; a formal statement or official memorandum. (Now obsolete except with certain qualifying words; bill of health, bill of sale etc.)
3. A draft of a law, presented to a legislature for enactment; a proposed or projected law.
4. (obsolete, law) A declaration made in writing, stating some wrong the complainant has suffered from the defendant, or a fault committed by some person against a law.
5. (US, Canada) A piece of paper money; a banknote.
6. (slang, UK) One hundred pounds sterling.
7. A written note of goods sold, services rendered, or work done, with the price or charge owing; an invoice.
8. (slang, India) A written note of goods sold, services rendered, or work done, listing the price or charge paid; a receipt.

Example Sentences

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Prime Minister, I beg to introduce a bill entitled[…]

Why, I'll exhibit a bill in the parliament for the putting down of men.

David Cameron insists that his latest communications data bill is “vital to counter terrorism”. Yet terror is mayhem. It is no threat to freedom. That threat is from counter-terror, from ministers capitulating to securocrats.

... the legion of bills in the suit have been transformed into mere bills of mortality ...

He gave the change for a three dollar bill. Upon examination, the bill proved to be counterfeit.

[…]So I wropped 'em up in a five dollar bill and tied 'em up and sent 'em, and they ain't back yet.”

I ran into the Devil, babe, he loaned me 20 bills.

In the conversation Henshall says he "struggling to find people to go up the roads" explaining how it would be "no good for black people" and how they need a "young white boy to go up there". Stock agrees, saying how he knows "this kid" who "owes me 12 bills".

Word Forms

• bills
• billing
• billed

Synonyms for bill

Related Words

When Should You Use Bill?

Use bill when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions