paper money

American  

noun

1. currency in paper form, such as government and bank notes, as distinguished from metal currency.

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paper money British  

noun

1. paper currency issued by the government or the central bank as legal tender and which circulates as a substitute for specie

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Etymology

Origin of paper money

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

The Southern experience with paper money was not so much about greed or fear as outright disaster.

From The Wall Street Journal

And there wouldn’t be the sustained dollar depreciation we take for granted under modern paper money.

From Barron's

The new appeal came as US media reported a backpack thought to belong to the suspect recovered near the scene contained a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and paper money from the board game Monopoly.

From BBC

Most vendors refuse to accept worn-out paper money, he explains, and coins have fared little better.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers say their dual-mode, ambient and polarized light film has potential value for a wide variety of high-level security applications, like seals for authenticating paper money or ID badges.

From Science Daily