central bank

American  

noun

1. a bank, as the Federal Reserve Bank, that holds basic banking reserves, issues currency, and acts as lender of last resort and controller of credit.

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central bank British  

noun

1. a national bank that does business mainly with a government and with other banks: it regulates the volume and cost of credit

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Etymology

Origin of central bank

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The Fed president said the central bank should be prepared to address elevated inflation proactively so that it doesn’t get stuck near 3% in the long run.

From The Wall Street Journal

The central bank said the war had added to concerns about government bonds, private credit markets, and U.S. technology companies focused on AI.

From The Wall Street Journal

Monzo secured a full banking license from Ireland’s central bank last December that allows it to provide services across the continent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Back in 2011, the central bank responded to a jump in energy prices by raising its key rate in April and then again in July; the threatened inflation never materialized and the economy faltered.

From The Wall Street Journal

TOKYO—A key gauge of business sentiment in Japan improved for a fourth straight quarter even as war in the Middle East raises price pressures, keeping the central bank on track to continue raising rates.

From The Wall Street Journal