greenback
Americannoun
noun
-
informal an inconvertible legal-tender US currency note originally issued during the Civil War in 1862
-
slang a dollar bill
Etymology
Origin of greenback
Explanation
A greenback is a dollar bill. Grab some greenbacks, I hear the ice cream truck coming down our street! The slang term greenback is a little old-fashioned, but it's a perfectly good way to say "buck" or "dollar." You might ask the barista at your neighborhood cafe, "How many greenbacks do I owe you?" or tell your mom you need to borrow some greenbacks and you'll pay her back next week. The word has been used since U.S. money was first printed using green ink, in 1778.
Vocabulary lists containing greenback
Chapter 17: The Civil War
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Money"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Chapter 4, Sections 1–4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The greenback is boosted by its safe-haven role and America’s position as a net oil exporter.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
It isn’t unheard of for the greenback to run in the green during U.S. interventions abroad.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
But last year’s performance for the greenback, the worst in a decade, should remind investors that dollar dominance is no longer guaranteed.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
A stronger greenback makes precious metals more expensive as they’re priced in U.S. dollars.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
I wouldn’t do it even if Anatole paid me in greenback American dollars.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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.
