What does greenback mean?
A greenback is a paper banknote issued in the United States, and the word can also stand informally for a US dollar or for American money generally. Its name is historical: the reverse sides of certain early American paper notes were printed in green, making them recognizable as “greenbacks.” The term remained associated with United States currency and later broadened from the physical note to the dollar as a unit of money. In contemporary usage, “greenback” often has a casual, slightly nostalgic, or businesslike tone, as in “raise a few greenbacks” or “print greenbacks.” It can sound especially familiar in descriptions of old-fashioned commerce, political campaigns, or financial hardship. The standard plural is “greenbacks.”
A United States dollar note, especially a paper banknote. In informal use, it can also mean a US dollar or American money in general.
"He paid the toll with a crumpled greenback."
Chiefly US; the sense meaning a dollar or money is informal and often slightly traditional or nostalgic.
Informally, to issue currency as greenbacks or in the form of United States paper dollars.
"The government greenbacked the new currency."
This verb is rare and much less common than the noun.
The regular plural is “greenbacks,” used for both multiple dollar notes and multiple dollars in the informal sense.
"He kept a bundle of old greenbacks in a drawer."
The name “greenback” comes from the green ink printed on the reverse of early American paper currency.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does greenback come from?
The word dates from the 19th century and is formed from “green” and “back.” It referred to American paper currency whose reverse side was printed in green, in contrast with notes printed in black. Over time, “greenback” broadened to mean a United States dollar note and, informally, a dollar or American money generally.
Related word forms
How greenback is actually used
The word is chiefly American and has a mildly informal or colloquial tone when it means a dollar or money. Outside the United States, it is uncommon and may sound dated or strongly associated with American currency.