halfpenny

[ˈheɪpəni]

halfpenny Definition

• 1. a former British bronze or copper coin worth half a penny
• 2. a very small amount of money

Using halfpenny: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "halfpenny" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  In the past, people could buy sweets with a halfpenny.

• Example

  I don't have a halfpenny to my name.

• Example

  The price of the candy was just a halfpenny.

halfpenny Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for halfpenny

• coin
• change
• small change

Phrases with halfpenny

• not have a halfpenny to one's name

  to be very poor

  Example

  After losing his job, he didn't have a halfpenny to his name.

• for a halfpenny

  for a very small amount of money

  Example

  He would do anything for a halfpenny.

• a penny for your thoughts

  used to ask someone what they are thinking about

  Example

  You seem lost in thought. A penny for your thoughts?

Origins of halfpenny

from Old English 'healf' meaning 'half' and 'penig' meaning 'penny'

📌

Summary: halfpenny in Brief

The term 'halfpenny' [ˈheɪpəni] refers to a former British coin worth half a penny, or a very small amount of money. It is often used in phrases like 'not have a halfpenny to one's name,' meaning to be very poor, and 'for a halfpenny,' meaning for a very small amount of money. The idiom 'a penny for your thoughts' is also related, used to ask someone what they are thinking about.