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

In North America, Kahan will be using the Face Value Exchange program, which mandates that tickets purchased on Ticketmaster are nontransferable and can only be resold for face value on that ticketing site. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Thousands of tickets were scooped up long before actual fans could get their hands on it, later hitting the resale market for double or even triple the face value price. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

On face value, wanting to represent Sieler makes a ton of sense. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

The factor then advances a portion of the invoice value upfront, often between 70% and 95% of the face value, depending on the quality of the receivables and the creditworthiness of the customers. — Andrew Coon, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face value

• eigenvalue
• undervalue

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)