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

Under the plan, if companies hold a significant amount of stablecoins, those must be disclosed as a specific class alongside traditional equivalents like commercial paper or money-market funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Retail traders are pulling money out of energy exchange-traded funds, exacerbating a selloff in the sector that has sent stocks down by double-digits from their peaks last month.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

It’s first batch of funds to build and preserve affordable housing, approved Wednesday, will pay for 554 below market units.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Activist hedge funds — which buy stakes in companies and push for strategic change — have become increasingly influential across corporate America.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

A national group called the People-to-People Committee was attempting to raise funds for the team, and the executive director asked Bobby if he’d give a simultaneous exhibition to publicize the team’s plight.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady