English Reference
noun

bills

n.
US /ˈbɪɫz/ UK /bˈɪlz/ bills

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    written lists showing how much money you owe for things like electricity or food.

    statements of money owed for goods or services provided.

    Simple

    He sat at the kitchen table and tried to pay all his monthly bills.

    In context

    The household expenses rose sharply during the winter months, leaving the family struggling to settle their utility bills on time.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary American English

    pieces of paper money.

    banknotes or pieces of paper currency.

    Simple

    She reached into her wallet and pulled out two ten-dollar bills.

    In context

    The cashier carefully counted the stack of twenty-dollar bills before placing them securely in the register.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    formal plans for new laws that a government is discussing.

    drafts of proposed laws presented to a legislature for discussion.

    Simple

    The government is debating several new bills about environmental protection.

    In context

    Parliamentary sessions were extended late into the night as members debated the technical nuances of the proposed education bills.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the hard, pointed parts of a bird's mouth.

    the horny projecting mouthparts of a bird.

    Simple

    The ducks used their flat bills to search for food in the mud.

    In context

    Ornithologists observed how the different species had evolved specialized bills to access specific types of seeds and insects.

Usage bills fairer

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated