ways and means


plural noun

legislation, methods, and means of raising revenue for the use of the government.
methods and means of accomplishing or paying for something.

Origin of ways and means

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Words nearby ways and means

Example sentences from the Web for ways and means

  • I'm going to be chairman, speaker, program, and ways-and-means committee of this meeting.

    Roast Beef, Medium |Edna Ferber
  • She simply sat and looked at poor Kate like the chairman of a ways-and-means committee who is waiting to hear all the reports.

    The Lookout Man |B. M. Bower

British Dictionary definitions for ways and means

ways and means

pl n

the revenues and methods of raising the revenues needed for the functioning of a state or other political unit
(usually capital) a standing committee of the US House of Representatives that supervises all financial legislation
the methods and resources for accomplishing some purpose