Main Entry: pen·ny

Pronunciation: \ˈpe-nē\

Function: noun

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

Usage: often attributive

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

Date: before 12th century

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>