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 penny2: denarius3plural pennies : cent4: a former monetary unit equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ Irish pound5: a trivial amount6: a piece or sum of money <that will cost a pretty penny>