bankroll

American  

[bangk-rohl] / ˈbæŋkˌroʊl /

noun

1. money in one's possession; monetary resources.

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verb (used with object)

1. Informal. to finance; provide funds for.

   to bankroll a new play.

bankroll British  

/ ˈbæŋkˌrəʊl /

noun

1. a roll of currency notes

2. the financial resources of a person, organization, etc

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verb

1. slang (tr) to provide the capital for; finance

Other Word Forms

• bankroller noun

Etymology

Origin of bankroll

First recorded in 1885–90; bank ² + roll

Example Sentences

Big Tech has the balance sheets and the electricity addiction to bankroll what the U.S. government has spent 50 years failing to do.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

It also matters because Ellison could bankroll his son’s media deals largely thanks to Oracle’s soaring stock.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Religious endowments known as bonyads control billions of dollars in assets that bankroll social services for the poor, salaries for clergy and industrial manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Mahan has already elicited early support among wealthy venture capitalists and tech industry leaders, who would be able to bankroll a formidable campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Sportswriters argued that the rich event was a farce arranged to pad Seabiscuit’s bankroll.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• finance
• subsidize