bill crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue is "bill", you've come to the right place. This common yet tricky clue can refer to many things – from financial statements to legislative proposals, or even a bird's beak! Below, you'll find all the possible answers organized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "bill crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TAB: An informal term for a bill, especially in a restaurant or bar, representing the total amount owed.
4 Letters
NOTE: Can refer to a banknote (a piece of paper money), or a short written message or account which might function as a bill.
6 Letters
CHARGE: An amount of money asked for a service or goods, often presented on a bill. Also, to make a formal accusation, which can be a 'bill of indictment'.
7 Letters
INVOICE: A detailed list of goods shipped or services rendered, with an account of all costs. This is a common and formal type of bill.
11 Letters
LEGISLATION: The act or process of making laws. A proposed law before it is officially enacted is commonly referred to as a "bill" in a parliamentary or governmental context.
More About "bill crossword clue"
The clue "bill" is a classic example of a homonym (or more precisely, a polysemic word) often used by crossword setters to add a layer of challenge. Its various meanings range across finance, law, biology, and advertising. Understanding these different contexts is key to deciphering the specific answer needed for your puzzle.
From the simple "tab" at a restaurant to a complex "legislation" passed by parliament, the word "bill" encompasses a broad spectrum of concepts. Crossword creators love words like this because they allow for clever misdirection, forcing solvers to consider every possible interpretation before landing on the correct one. Always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities.
Beyond the common meanings, "bill" can also refer to a bird's beak, a poster or advertisement (as in 'billboard'), or even a historical weapon. While less frequent in standard crosswords, being aware of these diverse meanings can sometimes provide an unexpected solution for particularly tricky clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the required letter count. This is the first and most crucial filter for clues like "bill" that have multiple meanings.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters revealed by crossing clues are your best friends. They can quickly eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the right one.
- Consider the Puzzle's Theme: Some crosswords have a theme that might lean towards financial terms, legal jargon, or nature. This can offer a hint to which "bill" is intended.
- Think Broadly, Then Narrow Down: When faced with a polysemic word like "bill," brainstorm all possible meanings first, then use the letter count and intersecting letters to narrow down to the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "bill" have so many different crossword answers?
The word "bill" is highly polysemic, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, setters leverage this ambiguity. Common meanings include a financial statement (invoice, tab, charge), a piece of paper money (banknote), a proposed law (legislation), a bird's mouth (beak), or a poster/advertisement.
How do I determine which meaning of "bill" the crossword setter intends?
To correctly identify the intended meaning, consider the number of letters required for the answer, any intersecting letters from other clues, and the overall theme or style of the puzzle. For example, if the answer is 4 letters, 'NOTE' or 'TAB' might fit. If it's 7 letters, 'INVOICE' is a strong candidate.
Are there common synonyms for "bill" that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, beyond the direct definitions, common crossword synonyms for "bill" include words like 'invoice', 'tab', 'note', 'charge', 'account', 'statement', and 'beak' (for a bird's bill). Occasionally, less direct synonyms like 'advertisement' or 'poster' might also be used.