penny-wise

adjective

pen·​ny-wise ˈpe-nē-ˌwīz How to pronounce penny-wise (audio)
Synonyms of penny-wisenext
: wise or prudent only in dealing with small sums or matters

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase penny-wise and pound-foolish

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penny-wise was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near penny-wise

pennywinkle

penny-wise

penny-wise and/but pound-foolish

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Penny-wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penny-wise. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

penny-wise

adjective
pen·​ny-wise
-ˌwīz
: wise only in small or unimportant matters

More from Merriam-Webster on penny-wise

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for penny-wise

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