penny

1 of 2

noun

pen·​ny ˈpe-nē How to pronounce penny (audio)
plural pennies ˈpe-nēz How to pronounce penny (audio) or pence ˈpen(t)s How to pronounce penny (audio)
often attributive
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 penny
2
3
plural pennies : cent
4
: a former monetary unit equal to ¹/₁₀₀ Irish pound
5
: a trivial amount
6
: a piece or sum of money
that will cost a pretty penny

-penny

2 of 2

adjective combining form

: being a (designated) nail size
an eightpenny nail

Examples of penny in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The state would issue almost $10 billion in new pension obligation bonds over five years, putting every penny of the proceeds into the pension funds. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025 Pivetta signed a four-year, $55-million deal in the offseason and has earned every penny so far, striking out 76 in 68 1/3 innings while giving up 51 hits and 19 walks. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Indeed, after being embargoed until the publication of this book (lest any penny be lost!), these notes are now available for public scrutiny in the New York Public Library’s special collections room (with an appointment). Evelyn McDonnell 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025 For a more classic take, both Blackstock & Weber and Ferragamo offer a wide range of loafers, from sleek penny styles to chunkier lug soles, depending on your taste. Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for penny

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English penning, penig; akin to Old High German pfenning, a coin

Adjective combining form

penny; perhaps from the original price per hundred

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of penny was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penny. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

penny

noun
pen·​ny ˈpen-ē How to pronounce penny (audio)
plural pennies
-ēz
or pence ˈpen(t)s How to pronounce penny (audio)
1
a
: a British unit of money formerly equal to ¹⁄₂₄₀ pound but now equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ pound
b
: a coin representing this unit
2
plural pennies : cent
3
: a sum of money
earn an honest penny

More from Merriam-Webster on penny

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