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

The Lakers' supremacy in that era ensured their top billing.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

YouTuber Cleo Abram has nearly 8 million subscribers, billing herself as “a video journalist making optimistic tech explainers.”

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, known for its defensive traits in tough markets, has lived up to its billing this year.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Applied Behavior Center settled federal civil fraud allegations over billing issues just three years ago without admitting wrongdoing, the Justice Department announced at the time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

I developed a system of billing and, increasingly, my columns of figures began to correspond to actual transactions.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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