billing

American  

[bil-ing] / ˈbɪl ɪŋ /

noun

1. the relative position in which a performer or act is listed on handbills, posters, etc..

   A star usually receives billing above the title of the play.

2. advertising; publicity.

   The show was a sellout weeks ahead of the opening because of advance billing.

3. the amount of business done by a firm, especially an advertising agency, within a specified period of time.

4. an act or instance of preparing or sending out a bill or invoice.

5. the total amount of the cost of goods or services billed to a customer, usually covering purchases made or services rendered within a specified period of time.

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billing British  

/ ˈbɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. theatre the relative importance of a performer or act as reflected in the prominence given in programmes, advertisements, etc

2. public notice or advertising (esp in the phrase advance billing )

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Etymology

Origin of billing

First recorded in 1870–75; bill ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"In the Acting category, only roles credited in the film's legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent will be considered eligible," the Academy said.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

A few thousand dollars a year in retirement contributions is a lot cheaper than billing the taxpayer for a nursing home at $9,000 a month.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

“Classes of providers with less rigorous enrollment and billing requirements” are “most vulnerable to fraud,” the letter says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

But while deserving of top billing, Renegade is hardly a standout, especially after he drew the No. 1 post position, considered a disadvantage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

The film relegated a much anticipated Jimmy Stewart movie to second billing.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• attention
• clout
• commercial
• distribution
• fame
• hoopla
• hype
• noise
• notoriety
• propaganda