funds

British  

/ fʌndz /

plural noun

1. money that is readily available

2. British government securities representing national debt

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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!

Example Sentences

Huang’s campaign tried and ultimately failed to receive matching funds from the city, whereas Raman’s campaign unlocked the maximum allowed, $1.25 million.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The Baron funds own both SpaceX common stock and preferred stock, which was converted into common stock as part of the IPO process.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Last year, meanwhile, Pemberton Asset Management and AlpInvest Partners, a subsidiary of Carlyle Group, raised $1.7 billion and $4 billion respectively for funds focused on such loans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The firm collapsed in 2022 amid claims that Bankman-Fried had been using deposited funds as his own, including to make personal investments and pay debts.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

In June, both the House and Senate approved bills to block all funds for U.S. military activities in Vietnam.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin