american bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/specialist
Quick answer
What does “american bond” mean?
A pattern of bricklaying where every fifth or sixth course consists entirely of headers (bricks laid with their ends facing outwards) with the intervening courses consisting of stretchers (bricks laid lengthwise).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pattern of bricklaying where every fifth or sixth course consists entirely of headers (bricks laid with their ends facing outwards) with the intervening courses consisting of stretchers (bricks laid lengthwise).
In finance, the term can also refer to bonds issued by the United States government or its agencies, or corporate bonds denominated in US dollars and traded in American markets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In construction, 'American bond' is a recognized technical term in both varieties, though the pattern may also be called 'common bond' in the US. In finance, 'US bond' or 'Treasury' is more common in American English, while 'American bond' might be used internationally to specify the market of issue.
Connotations
In construction, it denotes a specific, durable building technique. In finance, it connotes investment security and the credit of the US entity.
Frequency
The construction term has low frequency in general discourse but is standard in architectural and building texts. The financial term is of medium frequency in business and investment contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “american bond” in a Sentence
[wall/facade] + be constructed/laid + in + American bond[investor] + hold/purchase + American bondsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The builders decided to bond the wall in the American manner.
- They are bonding the brickwork traditionally.
American English
- The masons will bond the facade using American bond.
- We need to bond this section properly.
adverb
British English
- The bricks were laid American-bond style.
- He builds American-bond expertly.
American English
- The wall was constructed American-bond tight.
- She lays brick American-bond perfect.
adjective
British English
- The American-bond brickwork was clearly visible.
- It's an American-bond pattern wall.
American English
- They chose an American-bond style for durability.
- The American-bond design is classic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to US-dollar-denominated debt securities; e.g., 'The fund is heavily weighted towards American bonds.'
Academic
Used in architectural history or civil engineering papers to describe brickwork patterns.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation unless discussing specific home construction or personal finance.
Technical
Precise term in masonry specifications and in fixed-income security listings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american bond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american bond”
- Using 'American bond' to refer to any US-related agreement (e.g., a treaty). Confusing it with 'savings bond' (a specific type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has two main meanings: a bricklaying pattern and a type of financial instrument (a bond from the US).
Typically, every fifth or sixth course is a header course, with stretcher courses in between.
US Treasury bonds are generally considered among the safest investments in the world due to the creditworthiness of the US government.
In construction, often yes, as 'common bond' frequently refers to the American bond pattern. In finance, 'common bond' is not a standard term.
A pattern of bricklaying where every fifth or sixth course consists entirely of headers (bricks laid with their ends facing outwards) with the intervening courses consisting of stretchers (bricks laid lengthwise).
American bond is usually technical/specialist in register.
American bond: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɛr.ɪ.kən bɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛr.ə.kən bɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as safe as an American bond (financial, implying security)”
- “built like American bond (construction, implying strength)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the American flag: alternating stripes (like stretcher courses) with a corner of stars (like a header course breaking the pattern every few rows).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS INTERLOCKING (construction); SECURITY IS A TIE/BINDING (finance).
Practice
Quiz
In a financial context, what does 'American bond' most specifically refer to?