paper money

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

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 • Dec. 12, 2025

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

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

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 • Dec. 8, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2024

You can’t use paper money there, you got to be a member and charge it to your account and one thing I know about Miss Hilly is, she don’t like to carry nobody’s costs.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett