Treasury bill

or treasury bill

noun

1. an obligation of the U.S. government represented by promissory notes in denominations ranging from $1000 to $1,000,000, with a maturity of about 90 days but bearing no interest, and sold periodically at a discount on the market.

Treasury bill

noun

1. a short-term noninterest-bearing obligation issued by the Treasury, payable to bearer and maturing usually in three months, within which it is tradable on a discount basis on the open market

Word History and Origins

Origin of Treasury bill¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

A lower rating on U.S. debt could cost taxpayers if it leads borrowers to demand higher interest rates on Treasury bills and notes.

From Seattle Times

Treasury bill holdings above 5%, while fewer car accidents and a quiet Atlantic hurricane season respectively bolstered the Geico car insurer and reinsurance businesses.

From Reuters

For savers looking for safe places to park their cash, the much higher yields on online savings accounts, CDs and short-term Treasury bills are welcome.

From Seattle Times

It also potentially hinders the smooth functioning of the Treasury bill market.

From Reuters

But the time to appreciate the benefits of fixed-income holdings like money market funds and Treasury bills is already here.

From New York Times