What does "lending" mean?

1. (financial credit) the act of a bank or person letting someone borrow money. 2. (letting someone use an item) the act of letting someone use something you own for a short time.

How do you use "lending"?

Often used as an uncountable noun in business contexts like 'lending rates' or 'bank lending'.

lending

US //ˈɫɛndɪŋ// UK //lˈɛndɪŋ// lend·ing

1 financial credit (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of a bank or person letting someone borrow money.

the provision of funds by a financial institution or individual with the expectation of repayment, usually with interest.

Example

The bank is increasing its lending to small businesses this year.

Example

Strict lending criteria have made it difficult for first-time buyers to secure a mortgage in the current economic climate.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in business contexts like 'lending rates' or 'bank lending'.
- loaning
- credit
- borrowing
2 letting someone use an item (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of letting someone use something you own for a short time.

the act of allowing the temporary use of a physical object or resource.

Example

The library's lending policy allows you to keep books for three weeks.

Example

The museum's lending programme facilitates the exchange of rare artefacts between international galleries for temporary exhibitions.
- loaning
- borrowing