[count] 1 : a document that says how much money you owe for something you have bought or used
▪ He paid the telephone bill. ▪ Did our water bill arrive yet? ▪ I've been having a hard time paying the bills since I lost my job. [=paying what I owe for housing, heat, electricity, etc.] ▪ The waiter gave us our bill. ▪ I can't pay for it now: just put it on my bill. [=add the amount I now owe to what I already owe and I will pay the total amount later] — compare bill of sale 2 : a written description of a new law that is being suggested and that the lawmakers of a country, state, etc., must vote to accept before it becomes law
▪ They will introduce an antismoking bill in Congress. ▪ The Senate passed/rejected the bill. ▪ How does a bill become a law? ; also : such a bill after it has become a law
▪ the GI bill — see also bill of rights 3 chiefly US : a piece of paper money
▪ He handed me a 5-dollar bill. ▪ bills and coins —called also (Brit) note 4 : a written or printed advertisement that is used to announce a play, movie, or concert to the public and to list the names of the performers
▪ Who is on the bill? [=who is performing?] ▪ a double bill [=a concert that has two parts] featuring two of the world's best jazz trumpeters ▪ The notice on the wall said “Post No Bills.” [=do not put any advertisements on the wall]