Banks

American  

[bangks] / bæŋks /

noun

1. Sir Joseph, 1734–1820, English naturalist.

2. Nathaniel Prentiss 1816–94, U.S. army officer and politician: Speaker of the House 1856–57.

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Banks British  

/ bæŋks /

noun

1. Iain ( Menzies ). 1954–2013, Scottish novelist and science fiction writer. His novels include The Wasp Factory (1984), The Crow Road (1992), and The Steep Approach to Garbadale (2007); science-fiction (under the name Iain M. Banks) includes Look to Windward (2000)

2. Sir Joseph . 1743–1820, British botanist and explorer: circumnavigated the world with James Cook (1768–71)

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Banks Scientific  

/ băngks /

1. British botanist who took part in Captain James Cook's voyage around the world (1768–1771), during which he discovered and cataloged many species of plant and animal life.

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Example Sentences

Banks and funds have overlapping exposure to borrowers.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

Brian Banks, a teacher at Hazelwood College, Newtownabbey, said it's a big debate in the sector, with different schools adapting different policies.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Under Banks, the Border Patrol became involved in immigration operations away from the border with agents carrying out roundups of migrants in major cities across the country.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

The Reserve Banks have a history of innovative research, including ideas likely to challenge the prevailing wisdom promoted by the staff of the Fed’s Board of Governors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

A couple minutes later, he carefully set the decibel counter on the bottom bleacher, patted down his pockets, then followed Ms. Banks onto the dance floor, smiling broadly.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx