Treasury bill

American  

Or treasury bill

noun

1. an obligation of the U.S. government represented by promissory notes in denominations ranging from $1000 to $1,000,000, with a maturity of about 90 days but bearing no interest, and sold periodically at a discount on the market.

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Treasury bill British  

noun

1. a short-term noninterest-bearing obligation issued by the Treasury, payable to bearer and maturing usually in three months, within which it is tradable on a discount basis on the open market

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Etymology

Origin of Treasury bill

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

He’s sitting on a whopping $358 billion in cash equivalents at a time when Treasury bill rates are falling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Tether, a stablecoin issuer, holds approximately 2% of the total Treasury bill supply, making it a significant nonsovereign holder.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Smart contracts can be buggy; custodial wallets can fail; and the underlying asset — whether a Treasury bill or a rental house — still carries its traditional risks.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 15, 2025

It also potentially hinders the smooth functioning of the Treasury bill market.

From Reuters • Sep. 21, 2023

The passage of the Independent Treasury bill has brought us fresh occasion of rejoicing and confidence.

From Quodlibet by Kennedy, John Pendleton