Bank Meaning
Bank Definition & Usage
A financial institution that accepts deposits from the public, creates credit, and provides loans and other financial services.
Examples
- "I need to visit the bank to open a new savings account."
- "She works at a local bank as a loan officer."
- "The bank issued a loan to start the small business."
- "They were robbed while withdrawing money from the bank."
- "Online banking makes managing accounts so much easier."
The land alongside or sloping down to a river or lake.
Examples
- "We walked along the river bank and watched the sunset."
- "The boat slowly approached the bank of the lake."
- "They built a small house on the bank of the river."
- "Fishermen often sit along the bank waiting for the fish to bite."
- "The flood caused the river bank to collapse."
To rely on or be supported by (something or someone) for stability or growth.
Examples
- "She banked on her experience to get the promotion."
- "He banked on the weather being good for the picnic."
- "The company is banking on the new product to boost sales."
- "I banked on him to arrive on time, but he was late."
- "They banked on the team’s star player to win the match."
A place on a pool table where balls are struck into using a cue ball, or the act of using the edge of a surface in a pool or billiards game.
Examples
- "He used the bank shot to sink the eight ball."
- "She made a perfect bank shot off the cushion."
- "A skilled player can always make a successful bank in billiards."
- "He was practicing bank shots in the game of pool."
- "The angle of the bank shot is crucial for success in billiards."
Cultural Context
The word 'bank' has evolved from its original meaning in Old Norse, where it referred to a 'bench' or 'side', and later to financial institutions. Today, it is used in many different contexts, including geography, finance, sports, and even technology.
The Riverbank Gamble
Story
The Riverbank Gamble
It was a warm summer afternoon when Daniel and his friend Sarah decided to visit the riverbank. They had been looking for a quiet place to sit and reflect. As they sat on the grassy shore, Sarah began discussing her new job at the bank, explaining how it felt to handle large financial transactions. Daniel, on the other hand, was eager to invest in a new business venture. 'I’m really banking on the idea,' he said, 'but I’m worried it might be too risky.' Just as Sarah was about to offer some advice, Daniel noticed a group of children nearby, playing near the edge of the riverbank. He called out, 'Be careful, don’t get too close to the water!' The children smiled and ran off, but Sarah took the opportunity to explain the importance of safety in both business and in life. 'You can’t always bank on luck,' she advised. After a while, the conversation shifted to their childhood memories of playing pool at the local bar. Sarah recalled making a perfect bank shot, while Daniel joked about how he could never master the technique. 'I always miss the bank,' Daniel laughed. 'But with enough practice, I’ll get it right.' The two friends shared a laugh as the sun began to set behind them, casting a golden glow on the riverbank. Their conversation had covered many kinds of 'banks'—from financial institutions to the edges of rivers to the mechanics of sports—showing just how versatile one word could be. As they packed up to leave, Daniel felt reassured. Whether it was banking on his ideas, trusting in Sarah's advice, or just enjoying a peaceful day by the river, he knew he'd be just fine. After all, life was full of banks, of all kinds.
Related Words
