noun
Common
funds
fuhndz
Funds (noun) means Money that is available to spend on something. Example: “The company set aside funds for research and development.”
noun
1
Money that is available to spend on something.
"The company set aside funds for research and development."
"We ran out of funds before the renovation was finished."
"The village hall committee is raising funds to repair the leaking roof."
2
(finance) Government debt securities that pay regular interest.
"Many retired couples keep part of their pension in funds backed by the government."
"The bank advised her to buy funds that pay a fixed amount of interest twice a year."
"Investors moved their savings into government funds for a steady return."
How to use funds
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoney set aside or available for a particular purpose — often used in the plural for a pool of money.
Common mistake
Usually used with "the" or possessive determiners ("the funds," "our funds"), rarely as a bare singular in this sense.
Common pairings
raise funds
lack of funds
transfer funds
insufficient funds
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like funds.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company set aside _____ for research and development.
Related words
Rhymes for funds
See all rhymes for funds →Frequently asked questions
What does “funds” mean?
The word “funds” means money that is available to spend on something. In plain terms, money set aside or available for a particular purpose — often used in the plural for a pool of money.
How do you pronounce “funds”?
“Funds” is pronounced fuhndz (/fʌndz/ in IPA).
How do you use “funds” in a sentence?
Here is “funds” used in a sentence: “The company set aside funds for research and development.”
What part of speech is “funds”?
“Funds” is a noun.
Is “funds” a common word?
“Funds” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “funds” have?
“Funds” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: money that is available to spend on something.
What is the difference between funds and money?
Money is the general term for any currency you hold. Funds usually refers to money that is set aside or made available for a particular purpose, such as project funds or emergency funds. All funds are money, but calling something 'funds' suggests it is allocated or earmarked rather than just loose cash.
What is the difference between 'funds' and 'a fund'?
'Funds' in the plural simply means money available to spend. 'A fund' is a single pool of money gathered for a specific goal, like a pension fund or a charity fund. So you might draw funds from a fund. The singular names the pot, while the plural names the money inside it.
What is an example of funds?
A company using its funds to pay salaries, a family dipping into holiday funds, or a school raising funds for new equipment are all examples. In each case, funds are the money on hand and available to be spent on the purpose named, whether it comes from savings, income, or donations.
Are funds always cash?
Not necessarily. Funds refers to money available to spend, which may sit as physical cash, a bank balance, or another readily accessible form. What matters is availability — that the money can actually be used when needed. In finance, 'funds' can also mean investment vehicles, a separate but related meaning.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include funds:
