commercial paper

American  

noun

1. negotiable paper, as drafts, bills of exchange, etc., given in the course of business.

2. corporate promissory notes, usually short-term and unsecured, sold in the open market.

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commercial paper British  

noun

1. a short-term negotiable document, such as a bill of exchange, promissory note, etc, calling for the transference of a specified sum of money at a designated date

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Etymology

Origin of commercial paper

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

These components include investments with maturities of three months or less, like money-market funds, Treasury bills, commercial paper and possibly, stablecoins, for which there are no specific accounting rules at present.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Leidos said it plans to fund the acquisition, slated to closed by the end of June, with cash on hand, new debt and commercial paper.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

“There is voracious demand for any commercial paper that yields in excess of 5%,” he said.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

No commercial paper has been issued as of March 31, the filing said.

From Reuters • May 2, 2023

On November 19 the bank pledged with the Federal Reserve Agent $500,000 of commercial paper rediscounted by member banks and received from him a similar amount of Federal Reserve Notes.

From Readings in Money and Banking Selected and Adapted by Phillips, Chester Arthur