paper money

noun

1. currency in paper form, such as government and bank notes, as distinguished from metal currency.

paper money

noun

1. paper currency issued by the government or the central bank as legal tender and which circulates as a substitute for specie

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper money¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

The researchers say their dual-mode, ambient and polarized light film has potential value for a wide variety of high-level security applications, like seals for authenticating paper money or ID badges.

From Science Daily

“I’ll take two,” he said, waiting for her to deliver them to him — in exchange for some paper money.

From Seattle Times

China has moved away from paper money and coins, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic.

From New York Times

For starters, it scared people away from using cash for fear that paper money exchanges would be an infection vector.

From Seattle Times

There was no sign of any paper money at all.

From Literature