English Reference
noun

bonds

n.
US /ˈbɑndz/ UK /bˈɒndz/ bonds

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    strong feelings of friendship, love, or shared ideas that join people together.

    the emotional or social ties that unite individuals or groups within a community or family.

    Simple

    The shared experience of the long journey created strong bonds between the travelers.

    In context

    The program aims to strengthen the social bonds between different generations in the local neighborhood through shared gardening projects.

    divisionsestrangement
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Law

    official documents where you lend money to a government or company to earn interest.

    fixed-income instruments representing loans made by investors to borrowers, typically corporate or governmental.

    Simple

    Many people invest in government bonds because they are considered very safe.

    In context

    The central bank decided to purchase long-term government bonds to stabilize the national economy during the fiscal crisis.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    ropes, chains, or other things used to tie someone up or keep them prisoner.

    physical restraints or shackles used to prevent movement or maintain captivity.

    Simple

    The prisoner finally managed to break his bonds and escape into the forest.

    In context

    The poem uses the image of broken bonds to symbolize the nation's struggle for independence from colonial rule.

On Friday, the interest rate on 30-year bonds had risen to around 5.27%.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026

It comes after the interest rate on 30-year bonds reached the highest level in almost 20 years.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated