funds
Britishplural noun
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money that is readily available
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British government securities representing national debt
Explanation
The money you have available at a given time are your funds. If you only get paid once a month, you have to budget carefully so you don't run out of funds between paychecks. The word funds comes from the Latin word fundus, which means "bottom," "base," or "a piece of property." It's not clear how the noun funds got from property to available cash, but perhaps the connection came because a person could base his financial security on being able to sell his land if he needed ready money. If your kids are low on funds, they will probably hit you up for an advance on their allowances. The request will probably begin something like, "How much do you love me?" Too bad that doesn't work at your bank!
Vocabulary lists containing funds
Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
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Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963), List 1
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Supreme Court healthcare ruling
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Complicating these efforts, Macklem said, is the growing influence of nonbank lenders such as hedge and pension funds, private-finance companies and other asset managers in global financial activity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
Asked about the funds during the recent Senate hearing, Rubio claimed they were under the purview of the OMB.
From Salon • Jun. 23, 2026
Guardrails and a shock absorber can be added to the actuarial method to limit spending swings, especially for discretionary funds.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
The US firm- which already owns a stake of about 2.14% in EasyJet through the funds it manages - said its latest bid "offers compelling value" to the carrier's shareholders.
From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026
No one wanted to trim its list of priorities, but how to raise funds when Tom White’s money eventually ran out was subject to much debate.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
