financing

American  

[fi-nan-sing, fahy-nan-] / fɪˈnæn sɪŋ, ˈfaɪ næn- /

noun

1. the act of obtaining or furnishing money or capital for a purchase or enterprise.

2. the funds so obtained.

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Etymology

Origin of financing

First recorded in 1820–30; finance (verb) + -ing ¹

Explanation

Financing is the process of finding money for something you want. If you don't have enough money to buy the hot new video-game, you could try telling your parents that you need help financing your leisure activities. Notice the similarity between finance and finish? The root of both words is fin, which is Latin for "end," or "limit." Originally, financing meant ending a debt. If you owed money, you might ask a bank to finance you. Eventually people began asking banks for money even when they didn't owe anything. Now the word can be used to talk about getting money for almost any project, from a video-game purchase to a war.

Example Sentences

Brady said it plans to fund the deal with cash on hand and new debt financing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

There is already a connection with the U.S., as Serra Verde has secured a $565 million financing package from the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

“Enjoy limited-time incentives like paid closing costs and exceptional financing options!”

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

The sharp rise in gold and silver prices has been a boon for an entire industry, including often overlooked businesses such as retail sales, wholesale trading, and metals financing.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

I know from Janice that Sherrie’s husband is away most of the time, he’s in Tokyo right now working on bridge financing for an industrial complex in Bangladesh.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• expenditure
• funding
• loan
• outlay
• payment