cash flow

American  

noun

cash flows plural

1. the sum of the after-tax profit of a business plus depreciation and other noncash charges: used as an indication of internal funds available for stock dividends, purchase of buildings and equipment, etc.

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cash flow British  

noun

1. the movement of money into and out of a business

2. a prediction of such movement over a given period

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cash flows
  plural

Etymology

Origin of cash flow

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

But even in that case, Burke thinks free cash flow would shift among vendors but not diminish.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 9, 2026

Bahnhof generated revenue of 2.3 billion kronor in the 12-month period to the first quarter, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of 360 million kronor and free cash flow of 240 million kronor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

Many studios will remain “inherently risk-averse,” said Darrell Miller, an L.A.-based entertainment lawyer — largely because of how much cash flow they need just to operate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026

While rising rent and equipment upgrades mean the shop operates on tight margins, it still generates $50,000 to $60,000 in free cash flow a year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 5, 2026

He gobbled up the squash I bought him earlier, but my new cash flow didn’t convince him to stay.

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins