an organization that looks after people’s money, lends money, and offers other financial services
Marta went to the bank to open a savings account.
The bank approved their loan for the new house.
✦ From Old French “banque”, from Italian “banca” meaning bench or money-changer’s table.
the sloping ground at the side of a river, lake, or canal
Children skipped stones from the bank of the river.
Wildflowers covered the steep bank along the canal.
to put or keep money in a bank account
She banks part of her salary every month.
We banked the cash from the fundraiser the next day.
a large mass or pile of something, especially snow, clouds, or fog
A thick bank of fog rolled across the valley.
Dark banks of clouds signaled an approaching storm.
(of an aircraft) to tilt sideways while turning
The pilot banked left to avoid the storm clouds.
You can feel your body press sideways when the jet banks.
a place or store where a supply of something is kept for future use, such as blood, data, or spare parts
Hospitals keep donations in a blood bank.
The company maintains a large data bank of customer information.
present participle of bank: relying confidently on something happening or someone doing something
We are banking on the rain to stop before the outdoor concert.
The team is banking on his experience to lead them to victory.
