financing

American  

[fi-nan-sing, fahy-nan-] / fɪˈnæn sɪŋ, ˈfaɪ næn- /

noun

1. the act of obtaining or furnishing money or capital for a purchase or enterprise.

2. the funds so obtained.

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Etymology

Origin of financing

First recorded in 1820–30; finance (verb) + -ing ¹

Explanation

Financing is the process of finding money for something you want. If you don't have enough money to buy the hot new video-game, you could try telling your parents that you need help financing your leisure activities. Notice the similarity between finance and finish? The root of both words is fin, which is Latin for "end," or "limit." Originally, financing meant ending a debt. If you owed money, you might ask a bank to finance you. Eventually people began asking banks for money even when they didn't owe anything. Now the word can be used to talk about getting money for almost any project, from a video-game purchase to a war.

Example Sentences

There is already a connection with the U.S., as Serra Verde has secured a $565 million financing package from the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

“Enjoy limited-time incentives like paid closing costs and exceptional financing options!”

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Sneaker company Allbirds rose more than sixfold on Wednesday when it said it was pivoting to renting out AI servers, with little more than a $50 million financing agreement and a dream.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Typically, property owners use C-PACE financing to pay for energy-related upgrades through a tax assessment tied to the real estate itself, creating a long-duration, senior-secured instrument.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

He was very busy with his politics and his business, traveling constantly, financing new political campaigns, buying land and tractors, raising race horses, and speculating on the price of gold, sugar, and paper.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Related Words

• expenditure
• funding
• loan
• outlay
• payment