# Banks

/ˈbæŋks/ (US) · /bˈæŋks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/banks
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 5. to rely on

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to depend on something happening as you expect.

For teachers: third-person singular present of the phrasal verb 'bank on', meaning to rely or depend on a specific outcome.

- He banks on his bonus every year to pay for his summer holiday.
- The success of the startup banks on the lead engineer's ability to deliver the prototype before the next round of funding.

## Examples

- I need to go to the bank to open a new account.
- Most major banks now offer mobile apps so customers can manage their money without visiting a branch.
- Central banks often adjust interest rates to control inflation and maintain the stability of the national currency during periods of economic volatility.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.