peso

noun

pe·​so ˈpā-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce peso (audio)
ˈpe-
plural pesos
1
: an old silver coin of Spain and Spanish America equal to eight reales
2
the basic monetary unit of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Philippines, and Uruguay see Money Table

Examples of peso 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.
Casino-to-ports billionaire Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure is consolidating its water utility assets under Manila Water in a deal valued at 37.8 billion pesos ($671 million). Ian Sayson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The Huawei smartwatch retails for 9,999 pesos on Amazon’s site here (about $525); the Reebok timepiece is 1,976 pesos ($104). Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 21 June 2025 On the other hand, the Mexican peso, which is closely tied to the U.S. economy and U.S. trade has been the worst performer among major currencies. Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 Photos of ocelots earn 1,500 pesos (~$78), pumas 1,000 pesos (~$52), and bobcats 5,000 pesos (~$26). Benji Jones, Vox, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for peso

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, weight, from Latin pensum — more at poise

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peso was in 1555

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Cite this Entry

“Peso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peso. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

peso

noun
pe·​so ˈpā-sō How to pronounce peso (audio)
plural pesos
1
: an old silver coin of Spain or Spanish America
2
a
: the basic unit of money of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Philippines, and Uruguay
b
: a coin or bill representing one peso

More from Merriam-Webster on peso

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