What does "billion" mean?
the number that is represented as a one followed by 9 zeros
Billion
/ˈbɪljən/ num, slang
num, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: the number that is represented as a one followed by 9 zeros
- Grammar: billion is listed as num, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: one thousand million, 1000000000, 1000000000000, a billion.
- Useful contrasts: few, hundred million, insignificant.
- Usage evidence: The generous dentist contributed some two billion yen to charity.
How to use "billion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "billion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "billion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "billion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "billion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "billion" is acting as num, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "one thousand million" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "billion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 the number that is represented as a one followed by 9 zeros wordnet
- 2 the number that is represented as a one followed by 12 zeros; in the United Kingdom the usage followed in the United States is frequently seen wordnet
- 3 a very large indefinite number (usually hyperbole) wordnet
Adjective
- 1 denoting a quantity consisting of one thousand million items or units in the United States wordnet
- 2 denoting a quantity consisting of one million million items or units in Great Britain wordnet
Numeral
- 1 Either of two large amounts:; a thousand million (logic: 1,000 × 1,000²): 1 followed by nine zeros, 10⁹. US
"At the last assessment it [the national debt] amounts to seven billion pounds (£7,000,000,000)."
- 2 Either of two large amounts:; A million (times a) million (logic: 1,000,000²): a 1 followed by twelve zeros (10¹²); a thousand milliard. dated
"n = 1,000,000,000,000, that is, = a billion, or the square of a million"
- 3 An unspecified very large number. colloquial, excessive
"Near-synonyms: gazillion; see also Thesaurus:zillion"
Synonyms
All synonyms one thousand million10000000001000000000000a billiona crorea lakh
Antonyms
Example
"The generous dentist contributed some two billion yen to charity."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "billion"?
Common synonyms include: one thousand million, 1000000000, 1000000000000, a billion, a crore, a lakh.
How do you use "billion" in a sentence?
The generous dentist contributed some two billion yen to charity.
How do you pronounce "billion"?
Pronounced /ˈbɪljən/.
Etymology
From French billion, equivalent to bi- (“two”) + -illion.