bill
noun (countable)
UK/bɪl/US/bɪl/
the beak of a bird, used for eating, grooming, and other functions
Example Sentences
The pelican’s large bill allows it to scoop up fish easily from the water.
A hummingbird’s slender bill is perfectly adapted for sipping nectar.
When feeding chicks, the parent bird transfers food directly from its bill.
Different species have bills shaped for diverse feeding habits.
The toucan’s vibrant bill is instantly recognizable.
Birdwatchers often identify species by the color and shape of the bird’s bill.
An eagle’s sharp, curved bill helps it tear into prey efficiently in the wild.
Many waterfowl have flattened bills that enable them to strain food from muddy water.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bɪl/US/bɪl/
to send someone a statement of charges; to advertise or describe someone or something in a particular way
Example Sentences
They will bill you monthly for the subscription service.
He was billed as the keynote speaker for the technology conference.
The company plans to bill its clients upon project completion.
She discovered a hidden fee when they billed her credit card.
Organizers billed the concert as the biggest event of the year.
Restaurants will often bill you for extra items not included in the meal deal.
Make sure to carefully review any terms before signing a contract, so you don’t get billed unexpectedly for additional services.
Although the film was billed as a thrilling action movie, viewers were pleasantly surprised by its depth of storytelling and emotional resonance.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A statement of charges or a legislative proposal.“Bill” can function both as a noun and a verb, allowing for varied usage in daily life and professional contexts. As a noun, it commonly refers to an invoice issued by a service provider, like a restaurant or utility company, detailing charges to be paid by a customer. In legislative contexts, it denotes a proposed law awaiting discussion, modification, or approval. When used as a verb, “to bill” means sending someone an invoice for goods or services, indicating the amount owed. For financial transactions, you might receive or request a bill when dining out, receiving professional services, or during any transaction requiring formal payment. The word often appears in statements like “Please settle your bill” or “I will bill you next week.” In government or organizational settings, a “bill” is presented for debate or voting, potentially transforming into binding law upon approval. For instance, a senator may introduce a bill to address specific societal issues. Understanding its dual roles helps in comprehending different contexts where “bill” is applicable. In everyday speech, referencing a “bill” usually involves finances, while in academic or civic discussions, it may concern legislative processes. In writing, clarity comes from specifying whether you are referring to a financial invoice or a piece of proposed legislation. This versatility ensures its essential place in business, legal, and general communication spheres.
Alternatives
Alternative terms for the invoice sense of “bill” include “invoice,” “tab,” or “statement,” each varying slightly in context and formality. “Invoice” is common in business transactions, suggesting a detailed itemization of goods or services rendered. “Tab” is more casual, often used in informal settings like bars or restaurants. “Statement” sometimes denotes a periodic summary of account activity, particularly with banks or credit cards. For the legislative sense, synonyms or related terms might include “proposed law,” “measure,” or “draft legislation,” which highlight the process of creating and enacting new laws. “Proposed law” and “draft legislation” both convey the idea of a not-yet-finalized legal framework. These alternatives can help avoid repetition and maintain clarity when discussing either financial obligations or legal processes.
Writing
When writing about this concept, clarity of context is crucial. If you’re referring to a payment document, make sure you identify who is billing whom and for what services. Outline itemized costs if necessary to create transparency for the reader. For legislative topics, specify that it’s a proposed law, the legislative body involved, and the potential impact of the proposed measure. Combine clear, concise language with proper details. Terms such as “invoice,” “statement,” or “proposed legislation” can elevate your writing by varying word choice. Ensure that readers understand which sense of the word you mean—financial or legal—by providing adequate context. Lastly, remember to keep your sentence structure direct, so your audience quickly grasps the main point without confusion. This approach fosters better comprehension and more effective communication in formal writing, such as reports, academic papers, or business proposals.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bill” most often refers to the document you receive when paying for a meal or services. People might say, “I need to pay my phone bill,” or “Let’s split the bill.” If you want to discuss finances casually, phrases like “I’ve got so many bills to pay” capture everyday stress around expenses. In informal discussions about law or politics, you might hear, “There’s a new bill in Congress,” but people typically keep details short unless they’re particularly interested in the topic. Keeping your language simple and context clear helps avoid misunderstandings. You can talk about “billing someone” if you intend to charge them for provided services—like a friend paying you back for a shared streaming subscription. Overall, focusing on clear, direct language ensures everyone understands the financial or legal angle involved in your casual conversations about this word.
Etymology
The word “bill” in English has roots in Middle English, originally derived from the Anglo-Norman French term “bille,” referring to a legal or official writing. Over time, its meaning expanded to incorporate financial contexts, reflecting a transition from general official documents to more specific statements of charges due for products or services. Historically, “bill” also referred to public notices, proclamations, or written petitions. In legislative contexts, it has been a key term for centuries, denoting a draft or proposed law seeking approval within parliamentary systems. Today, “bill” symbolizes important day-to-day transactions and the political process, bridging both financial and governmental spheres. This dual significance underscores how language evolves alongside cultural, economic, and legal transformations, illustrating the enduring flexibility and importance of the word.
