penny

pen·ny

noun, often attributive \ˈpe-nē\

plural pennies \-nēz\ or pence \ˈpen(t)s\

Definition of PENNY

1

a : a monetary unit of the United Kingdom formerly equal to ¹⁄₂₄₀ pound but now equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ pound

b : a similar monetary unit of any of various other countries in or formerly in the Commonwealth of Nations — see pound at money table

c : a coin representing one penny

2

: denarius

3

plural pennies : cent

4

: a former monetary unit equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ Irish pound

5

: a trivial amount

6

: a piece or sum of money <that will cost a pretty penny>

Origin of PENNY

Middle English, from Old English penning, penig; akin to Old High German pfenning, a coin

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with PENNY

any, benne, benny, blenny, fenny, jenny, Kenny, many, penni