Bond

/bɒnd/ · noun

Meaning

(law) A document constituting evidence of a long-term debt, by which the bond issuer (the borrower) is obliged to pay interest when due, and repay the principal at maturity, as specified on the face of the bond certificate. The rights of the holder are specified in the bond indenture, which contains the legal terms and conditions under which the bond was issued. Bonds are available in two forms: registered bonds, and bearer bonds..

Definitions by Sense

1. (law) A document constituting evidence of a long-term debt, by which the bond issuer (the borrower) is obliged to pay interest when due, and repay the principal at maturity, as specified on the face of the bond certificate. The rights of the holder are specified in the bond indenture, which contains the legal terms and conditions under which the bond was issued. Bonds are available in two forms: registered bonds, and bearer bonds.
2. (finance) A documentary obligation to pay a sum or to perform a contract; a debenture.
3. A partial payment made to show a provider that the customer is sincere about buying a product or a service. If the product or service is not purchased the customer then forfeits the bond.
4. (often in the plural) A physical connection which binds, a band.
5. An emotional link, connection or union; that which holds two or more people together, as in a friendship; a tie.
6. Moral or political duty or obligation.
7. (chemistry) A link or force between neighbouring atoms in a molecule.
8. A binding agreement, a covenant.

Example Sentences

Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.

Many say that government and corporate bonds are a good investment to balance against a portfolio consisting primarily of stocks.

The prisoner was brought before the tribunal in iron bonds.

They had grown up as friends and neighbors, and not even vastly differing political views could break the bond of their friendship.

1792, Edmund Burke, a letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe on the subject of the Roman Catholics of Ireland a people with whom I have no tie but the common bond of mankind.

Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea.

I love your majesty / According to my bond, nor more nor less.

Organic chemistry primarily consists of the study of carbon bonds, in their many variations.

Synonyms for bond

Antonyms for bond

Related Words

Word Forms

• bonds
• bonding
• bonded
• more bond
• most bond

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions