money supply

American  

noun

Economics.

1. the sum of demand or checking-account deposits and currency in circulation.

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money supply British  

noun

1. the total amount of money in a country's economy at a given time See also M0 M1 M2 M3 M3c M4 M5

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money supply Cultural  

1. The amount of money in circulation at a given time, usually controlled by some central banking authority.

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Etymology

Origin of money supply

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

To deal with debt and faltering returns on investment, China in effect rolls over existing debt and recapitalizes its banks with injections of liquidity in the money supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The closed financial system allows Beijing to suppress the inflation that normally occurs with such increases in the money supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

It’s been the case, going back to the ancients, that monarchs and despots use this method to ensure their subjects understand they hold complete power and control the money supply.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

They look at the M2 measure of money supply and pit that against stock of all financial assets, excluding that held by central banks, FX reserve managers and commercial banks.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Nok couldn't help being cheap—her money supply was dwindling, and she needed to make it last.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat