What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
playbill
Example
I picked up a playbill at the theater to see who was in the cast. [playbill: noun]
Example
The playbill for next month's performances just came out. [playbill: noun]
Example
The theater handed out playbills to promote their new show. [playbill: noun]
bill
Example
I received a bill for my monthly utilities. [bill: noun]
Example
The Senate passed a bill to increase funding for education. [bill: noun]
Example
The company put up a billboard to advertise their new product. [billboard: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bill is more commonly used than playbill in everyday language. Bill is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while playbill is less common and refers specifically to the theater industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between playbill and bill?
While bill can be used in both formal and informal contexts, playbill is typically associated with a formal tone and is used mainly in the performing arts and entertainment industry.