Definition of bill

The word "bill" has a fascinating history! Etymologists believe that the term originated from the Old English word "byll," which referred to a notice or a written document. This Old English word is thought to have been derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*buliz," which is also related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bhel-," meaning "to swell" or "to become bulky." Over time, the meaning of "bill" expanded to include other written documents, such as a receipt, an invoice, or a proposal. In the 14th century, the term began to be used specifically to refer to a formal written statement or proposal, which eventually came to be known as a "bill" in various contexts, such as a legislative bill or a restaurant bill. Today, the word "bill" has a wide range of meanings and uses, but its origins can be traced back to Old English and Proto-Indo-European roots!