cash flow

noun

1
: a measure of an organization's liquidity that usually consists of net income after taxes plus noncash charges against income
2
: a flow of cash
especially : one that provides solvency

Examples of cash flow in a Sentence

We were able to maintain a steady cash flow. The company is looking at new ways to generate cash flow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Median net worth may be up in the long-term, as evidenced by buoyant consumer spending (and even some splurging), but shoppers are currently taking on more debt, and parking their real money in their homes and 401 (k) accounts while reserving cash flow for necessities like food and utilities. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 23 Oct. 2025 Goldman believes free cash flow remains the most critical indicator of downside resilience. Yun Li, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025 With half of consumers planning to use Buy Now, Pay Later to manage cash flow and shop with confidence this holiday season, BNPL has become mainstream, offering shoppers greater flexibility and control. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Price Club charged its small-business clientele twenty-five dollars a year for membership, cash flow that could be factored into the company’s gross margins. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cash flow

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cash flow was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Cash flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cash%20flow. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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