face value

noun

1
: the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)
2
: the apparent value or significance
if their remarks may be taken at face value

Examples of face value in a Sentence

We paid $100 for tickets that had a face value of $50.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the same way that 16th century bankers and traders had an incentive to use coins (which all had the same face value) with some lower quality metal. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Even something simple at its face value — the new album cover image, for example — has such forethought and reasoning behind the choice. H. Vanbiber, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025 Companies that get cash back will only be able to claim 90% of the face value of the credit, and it will be spread over five years. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025 The team employees will be fined double the amount of the ticket’s face value. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for face value

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of face value was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Face value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face%20value. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

face value

noun
1
: the value indicated on the face of something (as a coin, bill, bond, or insurance policy)
2
: the apparent worth or significance
can't take what he says at face value

Legal Definition

face value

noun
: the value indicated on the face of something (as a stock certificate)

More from Merriam-Webster on face value

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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