central bank

American  

noun

1. a bank, as the Federal Reserve Bank, that holds basic banking reserves, issues currency, and acts as lender of last resort and controller of credit.

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central bank British  

noun

1. a national bank that does business mainly with a government and with other banks: it regulates the volume and cost of credit

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Etymology

Origin of central bank

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

More than elsewhere in Latin America, the central bank implemented a so-called dirty float that involves central bank interventions to manage currency volatility and prevent sharp fluctuations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The sol has been Latin America’s most stable currency, according to the central bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

They are increasing on expectations the US central bank could continue to hold interest rates in order to keep inflation under control, dashing hopes of further cuts by the Federal Reserve.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

The situation has dashed the hopes of many on Wall Street that the US central bank might lower interest rates this year.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The two of them go to the central bank of stairwells and begin the ten-story trip down to the fifth floor.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner