Characters remaining: 500/500
Translation

Also found in: English - Vietnamese French - Vietnamese

bill

/bil/
Academic
Friendly

The word "bill" has several meanings and uses in English, making it a versatile term. Let's break it down for better understanding.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A bill can refer to the horny projecting mouth of a bird. For example: "The duck used its bill to catch food."
    • It can also mean a brim that projects to the front of a cap or hat. Example: "He pulled down the bill of his cap to shield his eyes from the sun."
    • In woodworking, a bill might refer to a long-handled saw with a curved blade. Example: "He used a bill to prune branches off of the tree."
    • A bill can be a list of particulars, like a playbill (a program for a theater show) or a bill of fare (a menu). Example: "I checked the playbill to see who was performing."
    • It can also refer to a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement. Example: "The poster advertised the coming attractions."
    • A bill can mean a piece of paper money, especially one issued by a central bank. Example: "He peeled off five one-thousand-zloty notes."
    • It can represent an itemized statement of money owed for goods or services. Example: "He paid his bill and left the restaurant."
    • A bill may refer to a draft of a statute before it becomes law. Example: "They held a public hearing on the bill."

  2. Verb:

    • To bill means to publicize or announce by using posters or placards. Example: "He was billed as the greatest tenor since Caruso."
    • It also means to demand payment. Example: "They billed us for four nights in the hotel, although we stayed only three nights."
Usage Instructions
  • Use "bill" in the context of money when discussing payments (e.g., "I received a bill for my electricity.")
  • Use it in a theatrical context when referring to programs or performances (e.g., "Did you see the bill for the concert?")
  • When discussing laws or regulations, refer to a bill as a proposed law (e.g., "The Senate is debating a new bill.")
Example Sentences
  • Money Context: "I need to pay my phone bill this week."
  • Advertisement Context: "The concert bill featured many famous artists."
  • Law Context: "The new bill was passed in Congress."
Advanced Usage

In legal contexts, a bill might refer to a specific type of legislation, like a private bill or public bill, which has different implications depending on the audience it serves.

Variants
  • Billing: The process of sending bills or requesting payment.
  • Billed: The past tense of bill, as in "I was billed for the service."
Different Meanings
  • In addition to the meanings listed, "bill" can also refer to a check at a restaurant, especially in British English.
Synonyms
  • For the financial context: invoice, statement, account.
  • For advertisement: poster, flyer.
  • For proposed law: draft, proposition.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
  • "Bill of rights": A document that outlines the rights of individuals.
  • "Pick up the bill": To pay for something, usually in a group setting.
Noun
  1. horny projecting mouth of a bird
  2. a brim that projects to the front to shade the eyes
    • he pulled down the bill of his cap and trudged ahead
  3. a long-handled saw with a curved blade
    • he used a bill to prune branches off of the tree
  4. a list of particulars (as a playbill or bill of fare)
  5. a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement
    • a poster advertised the coming attractions
  6. an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
    • he mailed the circular to all subscribers
  7. the entertainment offered at a public presentation
  8. a piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank)
    • he peeled off five one-thousand-zloty notes
  9. an itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered
    • he paid his bill and left
    • send me an account of what I owe
  10. a statute in draft before it becomes law
    • they held a public hearing on the bill
Verb
  1. publicize or announce by placards
  2. advertise especially by posters or placards
    • He was billed as the greatest tenor since Caruso
  3. demand payment
    • Will I get charged for this service?
    • We were billed for 4 nights in the hotel, although we stayed only 3 nights

Synonyms

Similar Spellings

Words Containing "bill"

Words Mentioning "bill"

Comments and discussion on the word "bill"