Bank
/bæŋk/
Definitions
3 meaningsA financial institution that accepts deposits and makes loans.
/bæŋk/
Financial institution
The bank approved my loan application.
💡 Simply: A place where you keep your money.
More Examples
I need to go to the bank to withdraw some cash.
How It's Used
"I deposited my paycheck into the bank."
The land alongside or sloping down to a river or lake.
/bæŋk/
Land beside a river
The riverbank was covered in wildflowers.
💡 Simply: Land next to a river or lake.
More Examples
We built a sandcastle on the riverbank.
How It's Used
"We sat on the riverbank and watched the sunset."
To deposit money in a bank account.
/bæŋk/
To deposit money
I banked the money I earned from my side hustle.
💡 Simply: To put money in the bank.
More Examples
It's important to bank regularly.
How It's Used
"I will bank my bonus check tomorrow."
Idioms & expressions
on the banks of
Situated next to a river or body of water.
"The town is situated on the banks of the Rhine."
From Old English *banc, meaning 'bench, ridge, shore'. It evolved to encompass its modern meanings through metaphorical extensions.
The word 'bank' has maintained its connection to rivers and elevated land throughout history, its financial meaning arising as a metaphor for the accumulation and safekeeping of resources.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bank' as a safe place to 'store' your money.
Word Origin
"bench, ridge, shore"