penniless

adjective

pen·​ni·​less ˈpe-ni-ləs How to pronounce penniless (audio)
Synonyms of pennilessnext
: destitute of money

Examples of penniless in a Sentence

She was unemployed and penniless. went from being a penniless girl to owner of her own restaurant
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.
Season 5 also introduces colorful newcomers, like Minnie Driver, who plays a a penniless princess turned hustler who unexpectedly becomes Agence Grateau’s white knight. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025 The bank would not go broke, leaving depositors penniless. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 14 Dec. 2025 Since then, Federal Reserve locations have reported depleted supplies of pennies, and as of this week, more than 100 of the 165 coin distribution sites across the country are penniless. Connor Greene, Time, 13 Nov. 2025 Christophe’s son died penniless and alone on the streets of Paris in October 1805 at the age of only eleven. Marlene L. Daut september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penniless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penniless was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Penniless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penniless. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

penniless

adjective
pen·​ni·​less ˈpen-i-ləs How to pronounce penniless (audio)
ˈpen-ᵊl-əs
: having no money : very poor

More from Merriam-Webster on penniless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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