chump change

noun

: a relatively small or insignificant amount of money

Examples of chump change in a Sentence

what seems like a huge amount of money to most people is only chump change to a billionaire
Recent Examples on the Web Directed by Jodie Foster, the movie underscores that what might seem like chump change or simply a game for those on Wall Street is truly a matter of life and death for most everyday people. Lillian Brown, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2023 But that’s chump change compared to what the 39 private residences here cost. Katie Jackson, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2023 Dismiss financial incentives as chump change compared with the honor of joining the Corps. Dave Philipps, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2023 In averaging $20 million per year, Jones is hardly making chump change. Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2023 Commentary: Angels lose 5 to waivers: Team saves chump change, likely regrets trading prospects The Cleveland Guardians claimed three Angels pitchers, and the Cincinnati Reds took outfielder Hunter Renfroe, leaving the Halos with seller’s remorse. Sarah Valenzuela, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2023 Hey, that’s chump change for a golfer who has made more than $32 million this year. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2023 The money spent on these lawsuits and settlements may seem like chump change to mega-corporations. Ariella Steinhorn, Fortune, 14 June 2023 That’s hardly chump change to a vast swath of laborers, but suddenly Smith’s average salary ($25 million without incentives) dwarfs his payout for a decade’s worth of work, which included a series of one-year contracts. Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chump change.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chump change was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near chump change

Cite this Entry

“Chump change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chump%20change. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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