What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bills
Example
I need to withdraw some cash from the ATM to pay my bills. [bills: noun]
Example
The restaurant gave us the bill after we finished our meal. [bill: noun]
banknote
Example
I exchanged my dollars for banknotes before traveling to Japan. [banknotes: noun]
Example
The banknote I received was a fifty-dollar bill. [banknote: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bills is a more commonly used term than banknote in everyday language. It is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts related to money. On the other hand, banknote is a more specific and formal term that is commonly used in official or financial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bills and banknote?
While bills is a casual term used in everyday language, banknote is a more formal term commonly used in official or financial contexts.
