ways and means
Americanplural noun
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legislation, methods, and means of raising revenue for the use of the government.
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methods and means of accomplishing or paying for something.
plural noun
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the revenues and methods of raising the revenues needed for the functioning of a state or other political unit
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(usually capital) a standing committee of the US House of Representatives that supervises all financial legislation
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the methods and resources for accomplishing some purpose
Etymology
Origin of ways and means
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
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 French authorities will continue to encourage our companies and our armed forces to seek out the ways and means to pursue ambitious European projects that are consistent with our national security interests."
From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 2026
The minister, Jack Chambers, said his budget provided the "ways and means for continuing to deliver many more, bright and hopeful days for us all."
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2024
The three-to-two vote in favor of the bill sends it to the ways and means committee before a vote on the Senate floor.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 9, 2023
The dispute centers on Bayern’s decision to fire goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalović on Jan. 23 due to what Salihamidžić said were “differences over the ways and means of working together”.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 6, 2023
His face darkened: he would, he said, find ways and means.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
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.
