Federal Reserve System

American  

noun

1. a U.S. federal banking system that is under the control of a central board of governors Federal Reserve Board with a central bank Federal Reserve Bank in each of 12 districts and that has wide powers in controlling credit and the flow of money as well as in performing other functions, as regulating and supervising its member banks.

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Federal Reserve System British  

noun

1. (in the US) a banking system consisting of twelve Federal Reserve Districts , each containing member banks regulated and served by a Federal Reserve Bank . It operates under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board and performs functions similar to those of the Bank of England

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Federal Reserve System Cultural  

1. The central monetary authority of the United States. The Board of Governors supervises the twelve Federal Reserve banks, which deal with other banks rather than with the public. The system has many functions, including regulating interest rates.

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Example Sentences

When Congress created the Federal Reserve System in 1913, lawmakers sought to diffuse power across 12 Federal Reserve district banks that were public-private hybrids with local boards consisting of local bankers, industrialists and community leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

"We stand in full solidarity with the Federal Reserve System and its Chair Jerome H. Powell," said Tuesday's statement from central bank leaders around the world.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Right before the Wednesday meeting, the Fed’s effective rate was 3.88%, according to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

She’s a former director for the board of governors of the Los Angeles branch of the Federal Reserve System.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2023

Given the cooperation of the Federal Reserve System, which I so earnestly seek, I am confident that this movement can continue.

From State of the Union Address by Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines)