ways and means

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plural noun

legislation, methods, and means of raising revenue for the use of the government.

methods and means of accomplishing or paying for something.

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Origin of ways and means

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Words nearby ways and means

Waynesboro, way of the cross, way out, way point, ways, ways and means, Ways and Means Committee, wayside, way station, way the wind blows, which, way to go

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ways and means in a sentence

As an example of good science-and-society policymaking, the history of fluoride may be more of a cautionary tale.
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
As a means of preventing tooth decay in those cities that do fluoridate, the practice certainly looks like a success.
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
As this list shows, punishments typically run to a short-ish jail sentence and/or a moderately hefty fine.
In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
That would truly be a milestone to celebrate—until you see what that record “diversity” actually means.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

And in order for them to realize their vision, they are willing to use any means.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She skilfully manages the side-lights, and by this means produces strong effects.
Women in the fine arts, from the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentieth Century A.D.|Clara Erskine Clement
This is a feature by means of which it is always possible to distinguish the Great Horsetail from any other species.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
The specific gravity is most conveniently estimated by means of the urinometer—Squibb's is preferable (Fig. 14).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
There is cause for alarm when they bring one hundred and ten ships into these seas without any means of resistance on our part.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
She also practises etching, pen-and-ink drawing, as well as crayon and water-color sketching.
Women in the fine arts, from the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentieth Century A.D.|Clara Erskine Clement

British Dictionary definitions for ways and means

ways and means

pl n

the revenues and methods of raising the revenues needed for the functioning of a state or other political unit

(usually capital) a standing committee of the US House of Representatives that supervises all financial legislation

the methods and resources for accomplishing some purpose

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ways and means

Origin of ways and means

Words nearby ways and means

Words related to ways and means

How to use ways and means in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ways and means