penny-ante

1 of 2

adjective

pen·​ny-an·​te ˈpe-nē-ˈan-tē 

: small-time, two-bit

penny ante

2 of 2

noun

: poker played for very low stakes

Examples of penny-ante in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Its theme was that penny-ante contributions to local charitable institutions was as nothing, compared with the moral imperative to make as much money as one could, and then give it away. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

That was penny-ante compared to the news that a metal salvager had found 52 of that year’s Oscars statuettes, still plastic-wrapped, in the trash behind a Koreatown store. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2023

Noun

Of course, that’s penny ante compared to the barrier island’s real estate. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024

And the abuelas did not like to lose their penny ante poker games, said Surfside native Michelle Kuper, whose grandmother and aunt lived in Champlain East. — Author: Linda Robertson, Anchorage Daily News, 4 July 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for penny-ante

• lente
• sente