# billing

/ˈbɪɫɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɪlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/billing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. invoicing

noun · CEFR B2

the process of sending bills to customers for goods or services.

For teachers: the administrative act of preparing and issuing invoices for payment.

- There was a mistake in the billing, so they charged me twice.
- The company transitioned to an automated billing system to reduce the frequency of clerical errors in their monthly statements.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun like 'department' or 'cycle'.

### 2. film/theater credits

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the position or importance of an actor's name on a poster or in a list of performers.

For teachers: the relative prominence or order in which a performer's name appears in advertisements or credits.

- The famous actress received top billing on the movie poster.
- Negotiations for the revival of the play stalled when the lead actors could not agree on equal billing for the promotional campaign.

Usage: Commonly found in the phrase 'top billing', meaning the most prominent position.

### 3. sending a bill

verb · CEFR B1

the act of asking someone for money for work you have done.

For teachers: the present participle of 'bill', referring to the ongoing action of charging a client.

- The lawyer is billing us for every phone call he makes.
- By billing the client in smaller increments, the consultancy managed to maintain a more consistent cash flow throughout the fiscal year.

## Examples

- The famous actor received top billing in the new movie.
- Despite her long career, she was surprised to see her name below the newcomer's in the theater billing.
- The contract negotiations stalled over a dispute regarding star billing, as both lead actors demanded their names appear above the title in all promotional materials.

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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.