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

Escobar Cash was available for sale in several denominations at a U.S. dollar conversion rate of 1/1000th of U.S. dollar face value. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

There, patrons would pay costs and additional fees for show tickets much greater than the face value charged by the University Musical Society (UMS), the nonprofit which presents shows at the Hill Auditorium, according to court filings. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 19 July 2025

If some owners of such bonds want cash, the only way they can be made attractive to buyers is by lowering the sale price below the face value of the bond. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025

That means each penny costs 370% of its face value, compared to 276% for each nickel. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 June 2025

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)