treasury

American  

[trezh-uh-ree] / ˈtrɛʒ ə ri /

noun

plural

treasuries

1. a place where the funds of the government, of a corporation, or the like are deposited, kept, and disbursed.

2. funds or revenue of a government, public or private corporation, etc.

3. (initial capital letter) the department of government that has control over the collection, management, and disbursement of the public revenue.

4. a building, room, chest, or other place for the preservation of treasure or valuable objects.

5. a collection or supply of excellent or highly prized writings, works of art, etc..

   a treasury of American poetry.

6. Informal. Treasuries, Treasury bills, bonds, and notes.

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treasury ¹ British  

/ ˈtrɛʒərɪ /

noun

1. a storage place for treasure

2. the revenues or funds of a government, private organization, or individual

3. a place where funds are kept and disbursed

4. Also: treasure house.  a collection or source of valuable items

   a treasury of information

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Treasury ² British  

/ ˈtrɛʒərɪ /

noun

1. (in various countries) the government department in charge of finance. In Britain the Treasury is also responsible for economic strategy

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Etymology

Origin of treasury

1250–1300; Middle English tresorie < Old French. See treasure, -y ³

Explanation

A treasury is a kind of bank — it's a place where money and other valuable things are kept, or where a country keeps its wealth. You might guess that a treasury is a place to keep your treasure, and you'd be right. Originally, the word literally meant "room for treasure," from the Old French tresor, "hoard or treasure." Starting in the late 1300s, it also meant "department that controls public revenue," which remains the most common use of treasury today. The U.S. even has an official Department of the Treasury, the part of the executive branch that prints money and collects taxes.

Example Sentences

Bank of America’s top strategist says his key trades for the second quarter are bets on a steepening U.S. treasury yield curve, China tech stocks, “unloved” consumer plays and chip stocks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Her letter says she will insist that “transparent audit rights and procedures” be put into place to assure the city treasury does not take a hit in supporting the Games.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Strategy stock climbs after the Bitcoin treasury company discloses its most recent crypto purchase.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

In the Slate Plus episode: The treasury market rom-com.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

The Nation’s treasury purchased the home, and Mr. Muhammad soon moved there.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

• bank
• coffer
• exchequer