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

TOKYO—A key gauge of business sentiment in Japan improved for a fourth straight quarter even as war in the Middle East raises price pressures, keeping the central bank on track to continue raising rates.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gold edged higher on signs of de-escalating Middle East tensions that could lead to lower oil prices and alleviate concerns over central banks’ rate increases.

From The Wall Street Journal

In service of keeping price growth stable, the central bank has set an inflation target of 2%.

From Barron's

The aftermath of an energy price spike depends a lot on how central banks respond.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rising energy prices have increased the probability of either interest rate hikes or delayed cuts by central banks wary of inflation, UBS noted.

From Barron's