red cent

noun

: penny
—used for emphasis in negative constructions

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red cent was in 1837

Browse Nearby Words

red cedar
red cent
red chalk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red cent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20cent. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

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