Reading Theme:
Utility Bill: Definition, Examples & Usage
Meaning 1：utility invoice (utility bill)
utility bill
/juːˈtɪləti bɪl/
n.
A piece of paper or an online statement that tells you how much you need to pay for services like water, electricity, or gas for your home.
utility invoice
➕
/juːˈtɪləti ˈɪnvɔɪs/
n.
A statement detailing charges for essential services such as water, electricity, and gas supplied to a residence or business.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'utilitas' (usefulness) + 'bulla' (sealed document).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a 'useful' (utility) piece of paper (bill) you must pay to keep your home running.
📖 Example
After moving into my new apartment, I set a reminder on my phone to pay the utility bill before the 15th of every month.
After moving into my new apartment, I set a reminder on my phone to pay the utility bill before the 15th of every month.
🔗 Collocations
pay the utility bill – to settle the charges for household services
utility bill payment – the act of paying the invoice for utilities
monthly utility bill – the regular statement issued each month for utility charges
🔄 Synonyms
energy bill (n.) – A bill specifically for electricity or gas usage.
service bill (n.) – A general term for an invoice for a provided service, including utilities.
utility invoice (n.) – A formal document listing charges for utility services.
🚫 Antonyms
income statement (n.) – A document showing money received, not owed.
refund check (n.) – A payment returned to you, opposite of a bill you must pay.
🌱 Derivatives
utility billing (n.) – The process of issuing and managing utility bills.
bill payer (n.) – A person responsible for paying bills.
📖 Cultural Story
The term emerged in the 19th century as municipalities began charging for water, gas, and electricity. It became a standard household document for tracking consumption.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser