peso

noun

pe·​so ˈpā-(ˌ)sō 

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

Since the intervention, the Argentine peso has fallen over 5% as of Wednesday morning. —Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the $20bn financial rescue for the country, which boosted the peso and replenished Argentina's depleted foreign currency reserves. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

While the Argentine peso initially rose following Bessent’s announcement, the currency set a fresh low earlier this week, suggesting more work could be needed to stabilize it. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025

Even if the country eventually succeeds in attracting investment, more American resources may also be required to stabilize the peso, which most economists agree is overvalued relative to prices. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

peso

noun

pe·​so ˈpā-sō 

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