bullion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Financial, Technical
Quick answer
What does “bullion” mean?
Gold or silver in bulk form, before being made into coins or other objects, typically in bars or ingots.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Gold or silver in bulk form, before being made into coins or other objects, typically in bars or ingots.
Can refer to precious metal in general that serves as a store of value or a hedge against inflation; less commonly, a decorative fringe of twisted gold or silver wire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical; strongly associated with high-value commodities, central banks, and investment.
Frequency
Similar low frequency in both varieties, confined to financial, economic, and historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bullion” in a Sentence
[V] bullion (e.g., The bank stores bullion.)[Adj] bullion (e.g., pure bullion)bullion [N] (e.g., bullion reserves)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bullion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The bullion market in London is a global benchmark.
- They installed a bullion-grade safe.
American English
- The bullion market was volatile today.
- It was a bullion storage facility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a physical commodity traded on markets. Example: 'The fund's strategy involves holding physical bullion.'
Academic
Used in economic history, finance, and metallurgy papers. Example: 'The 19th-century gold standard relied on the free flow of bullion.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in news about gold prices or heist movies. Example: 'The thieves targeted a truck carrying gold bullion.'
Technical
Specific grades and purities defined in precious metal trading. Example: 'The refinery produces 999.9 fine gold bullion.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bullion”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bullion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bullion”
- Using it as a countable noun (*'three bullions'). It's uncountable. Correct: 'three bullion bars'.
- Confusing it with 'bouillon' (broth) in writing.
- Using it to refer to jewellery or crafted items.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'bullion' is an uncountable (mass) noun. You refer to 'bullion' in general or specify 'a bar of bullion', 'bullion bars'.
Bullion is valued purely for its metal content (by weight and purity). Coins, especially collectible or legal tender coins, may have a higher 'numismatic' value beyond their metal content.
In British English, it's /ˈbʊl.i.ən/ (BULL-ee-uhn). In American English, it's commonly /ˈbʊl.jən/ (BULL-yuhn).
While primarily gold and silver, the term can sometimes be extended to other precious metals like platinum or palladium in bar form, though 'platinum bars' is more specific.
Gold or silver in bulk form, before being made into coins or other objects, typically in bars or ingots.
Bullion is usually formal, financial, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the word itself is too technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BULL (strong, heavy) made of LION's gold. A heavy, valuable lump of metal.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS A HEAVY, TANGIBLE SUBSTANCE (vs. abstract numbers).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'bullion'?