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

Indeed, year-to-date inflows to U.S. equity funds are $180 billion, which is 2.4 times the five-year median, according to the Barclays team.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Utilities have attracted investment from infrastructure funds and private equity in recent years, and have been raising money for needed investments with at-the-market share sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

She said the other pension funds had already paid out.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

He fully funds the shows, and, like many business ventures, “Queer Roast” is still in the red financially.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Kate’s and Maggie’s bodies were placed in a public vault due to lack of funds.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock