bill

UK: bɪl | US: bɪl

Definition

  1. n. 1. A statement of money owed for goods or services (e.g., a restaurant bill).

  2. n. 2. A proposed law presented to a legislature for approval.

  3. n. 3. The beak of a bird.

  4. vt. 1. To send or present a bill of charges to someone.

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "bill" has multiple distinct origins:

  1. For monetary/legal meanings: From Medieval Latin bulla ("sealed document"), later evolving through Old French bille ("list, written statement").
  2. For the avian beak: From Old English bile ("beak"), likely of Germanic origin.
    Despite identical spelling, the two primary meanings (document vs. beak) developed independently, creating a homograph.
Examples

  1. The waiter handed us the bill after dinner.

  2. Congress debated the new environmental bill for weeks.

  3. The toucan's colorful bill helps it attract mates.

  4. The hospital will bill your insurance directly.

  5. She studied the bird’s sharp bill closely.