credit union

American  

noun

credit unions plural

1. a cooperative group that makes loans to its members at low rates of interest.

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credit union British  

noun

1. a cooperative association whose members can obtain low-interest loans out of their combined savings

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credit union Cultural  

1. An organization formed by employees of a company or institution to make personal loans at low interest rates to all employees of that company or institution.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• credit unions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of credit union

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

credit union

The detective sought data on phones that were within 150 yards of the credit union within one hour of the late afternoon robbery.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: Low‑interest lending options are often suited for established businesses and include bank, credit union, online and SBA lenders offering competitive rates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 15, 2026

Mine had their main accounts at the credit union, but their mortgage was through a different bank.

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

According to the Associated Press news agency, she had previously worked as a dental assistant and at a credit union, but had mainly been a stay-at-home mum in recent years.

From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2026

Is there a credit union, or a savings association, or other organization to promote thrift in your community?

From Community Civics and Rural Life by Dunn, Arthur William

Related Words

• lending institution