billing

American  

[bil-ing] / ˈbɪl ɪŋ /

noun

1. the relative position in which a performer or act is listed on handbills, posters, etc..

   A star usually receives billing above the title of the play.

2. advertising; publicity.

   The show was a sellout weeks ahead of the opening because of advance billing.

3. the amount of business done by a firm, especially an advertising agency, within a specified period of time.

4. an act or instance of preparing or sending out a bill or invoice.

5. the total amount of the cost of goods or services billed to a customer, usually covering purchases made or services rendered within a specified period of time.

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billing British  

/ ˈbɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. theatre the relative importance of a performer or act as reflected in the prominence given in programmes, advertisements, etc

2. public notice or advertising (esp in the phrase advance billing )

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Etymology

Origin of billing

First recorded in 1870–75; bill ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said the agency routinely monitors for abnormal billing patterns and complaints to identify fraud.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

YouTuber Cleo Abram has nearly 8 million subscribers, billing herself as “a video journalist making optimistic tech explainers.”

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, known for its defensive traits in tough markets, has lived up to its billing this year.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Others, he said, were blaggers who convinced phone companies to send them call and billing information.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

He was working from home, billing $225 an hour.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Related Words

• attention
• clout
• commercial
• distribution
• fame
• hoopla
• hype
• noise
• notoriety
• propaganda