Definition

1. Noun:
   • A piece of U.S. paper currency; a dollar bill: "Greenback" is an informal term for a U.S. banknote, named for the green ink traditionally used on the back.
   • Paper money issued by a government or central bank: More broadly, it can refer to any paper currency, though this usage is less common and often context-specific.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He pulled out a stack of greenbacks to pay for the car. (He used U.S. dollar bills for the payment.)
  • In the 19th century, "greenback" referred to paper money not backed by gold or silver. (The term historically described a specific type of U.S. currency.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be long on greenbacks": To possess or have invested a significant amount of cash money.
  • After the sale, the company was long on greenbacks and ready to expand.
• Historical Context: The term "greenback" originated during the American Civil War with the Legal Tender Act of 1862, which authorized the printing of paper currency, known as United States Notes, to finance the war.

Variants and Related Words

• Green (noun, informal): A shortened, very informal synonym for money, especially U.S. dollars.
  • He needs to earn some green.
• Banknote (noun): The formal term for a piece of paper money issued by a bank.
• Bill (noun): A common synonym for a piece of paper currency.

Synonyms

• Bill: A piece of paper money.
• Banknote: A promissory note issued by a bank.
• Note: (British English) A banknote.

Related Phrases

• "To flash the greenbacks": To show off one's money conspicuously.
  • The tourist was flashing greenbacks, which made him a target.
• "Greenback diplomacy": A historical term referring to U.S. foreign policy in the early 20th century that sought to promote American financial and commercial interests abroad, often through the use of dollar loans.

Related Idioms

• "As good as a greenback": Used to describe something very reliable or certain, like cash.
  • His promise to pay is as good as a greenback.

Noun

1. a piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank)
   • he peeled off five one-thousand-zloty notes