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

The tax is forecast to generate 79.5 billion pesos ($1.4 billion) in revenue in the next four years, according to the country’s finance department. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024

All tickets for the Manila show are 1,500 Philippine pesos, or around $27, including all taxes and fees. —Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 20 Sep. 2024

The government does not sell dollars to private companies at the official rate of one dollar for 120 Cuban pesos — nor at any other rate, for that matter. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 5 July 2024

The peso has plunged amid concerns that the overhaul could discourage foreign investment. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

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