national bank

American  

noun

1. a bank chartered by the U.S. government and formerly authorized to issue notes that served as money.

2. a bank owned and administered by the government, as in some European countries.

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national bank British  

noun

1. (in the US) a commercial bank incorporated under a Federal charter and legally required to be a member of the Federal Reserve System Compare state bank

2. a bank owned and operated by a government

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Etymology

Origin of national bank

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

On Wednesday, the head of the national bank regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, pointed to the preliminary approval of Erebor as a demonstration of the agency’s new stance.

From The Wall Street Journal

The National Banking Acts created a uniform national bank system.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department says the problem has persisted at several national banks with operations in the Los Angeles area.

From Los Angeles Times

Shares of Samsung, Hyundai and national banks fell sharply, as did the South Korean won, but recovered after the finance ministry, central bank and regulatory agencies pledged “unlimited” support to stabilize the foreign exchange market.

From New York Times

She suggests using local credit unions instead of major national banks.

From Salon