greenback

noun

green·​back ˈgrēn-ˌbak How to pronounce greenback (audio)
: a legal-tender note issued by the U.S. government

Examples of greenback in a Sentence

she threw a few greenbacks on the counter to pay for the drinks
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The euro gained around 0.26% against the greenback by 10:47 a.m. in London, while the British pound was up by roughly 0.29% against the U.S. currency. Chloe Taylor,jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 Think Sportradar, Genius Sports and U.S.-based European soccer team owners who collect money in euros, which has strengthened against the greenback. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2025 The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso fell against the greenback. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 Bronfman’s business fortunes often rose and fell in relation to the value of the Canadian dollar against the American greenback to allow currency savings for U.S. producers, and to competing tax credits on offer from U.S. states and other rival locales. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for greenback

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greenback was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greenback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenback. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

greenback

noun
green·​back ˈgrēn-ˌbak How to pronounce greenback (audio)
: a piece of U.S. paper money
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!