penny

play

noun, often attributive pen·ny \ ˈpe-nē \

Definition of penny

plural pennies play \ˈpe-nēz\ or pence play \ˈpen(t)s\

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 :denarius

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

See penny defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of penny from the Web

Against this backdrop Ms Ashton narrates scandals of high society, drawing on private correspondence and the penny papers.

— The Economist, "London’s hot and busy summer of 1858," 22 July 2017
Fake charities may use names, photos, or details that sound authentic, even though those in need may never see a penny of the donations sent in. Verify the source Before making a contribution,

— Cincinnati.com, "Column: Crowdfunding - Ask where the money goes," 19 July 2017
Yet lawmakers are considering keeping at least part of the extra penny tax in place beyond the expiration date.

— julia o'donoghue, NOLA.com, "Louisiana still has the highest sales tax in the country," 6 July 2017
Every penny per gallon of jet fuel equates to $200 million a year in U.S. airline industry fuel costs, according to a report from Airlines for America, the trade group for U.S. air carriers.

— joe taschler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Airfares are cheap right now," 30 June 2017
Defenders say a good president is worth every penny.

— katherine long, The Seattle Times, "UW’s Ana Mari Cauce might be highest-paid woman president of a state university," 28 June 2017
But so far, the American nation had proven stunningly incapable of fending for itself, like a rebellious adolescent who takes leave of his family without a penny to his name.

— larrie d. ferreiro, Smithsonian, "At Its Core, the Declaration of Independence Was a Plea for Help From Britain’s Enemies," 28 June 2017
But Vrest believed them to be more than just a place to buy penny candy and overalls.

— jill gleeson, Country Living, "A Salute to the Vermont Country Store Catalog," 23 June 2017
Then, in a normal year, the prices drop a penny or two and remain relatively stable the rest of the summer, unless a hurricane gets loose in the Gulf of Mexico and wreaks havoc with production.

— glenn garvin, miamiherald, "Go ahead and fill up your tank. The gas is dirt cheap," 12 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'penny.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of penny

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

-penny

adjective combining form

Definition of -penny

:being a (designated) nail size

an eightpenny nail

Origin and Etymology of -penny

penny; perhaps from the original price per hundred

PENNY Defined for English Language Learners

penny

play

noun

Definition of penny for English Language Learners

: a coin or a unit of money equal to 1/100 of a dollar
: a coin or a unit of money equal to 1/100 of a British pound
: a British coin used before 1971 that was equal to 1/12 of a shilling

PENNY Defined for Kids

penny

play

noun pen·ny \ ˈpe-nē \

Definition of penny for Students

plural pennies \ˈpe-nēz\

1 :cent

2 or plural pence\ˈpens\ :a coin of the United Kingdom equal to ¹/₁₀₀ pound

Learn More about penny

See words that rhyme with penny Spanish Central: Translation of penny Nglish: Translation of penny for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of penny for Arabic speakers

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penny

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-penny

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Origin and Etymology of -penny

PENNY Defined for English Language Learners

penny

Definition of penny for English Language Learners

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penny

Definition of penny for Students

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