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penny

[ˈpɛni]

penny Definition

  • 1a small coin worth one cent in the US and Canada
  • 2a British coin worth one twelfth of a shilling or one two-hundred-and-fortieth of a pound

Using penny: Examples

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

  • Example

    I found a penny on the street.

  • Example

    The price of the candy is 99 cents, just one penny short of a dollar.

  • Example

    In the UK, the penny has been in circulation since the 8th century.

penny Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for penny

Phrases with penny

  • 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?

  • in for a penny, in for a pound

    if you decide to do something risky or expensive, you might as well go all the way

    Example

    I've already spent so much money on this project, I might as well finish it. In for a penny, in for a pound.

  • penny-pinching

    being excessively frugal or miserly with money

    Example

    He's always penny-pinching, even when it comes to buying necessities.

Origins of penny

from Old English 'penig', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'penning', German 'Pfennig', also to pawn

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Summary: penny in Brief

A 'penny' [ˈpɛni] is a small coin worth one cent in the US and Canada, or a British coin worth one twelfth of a shilling or one two-hundred-and-fortieth of a pound. It is commonly used in phrases like 'a penny for your thoughts,' meaning to ask someone what they are thinking about, and 'in for a penny, in for a pound,' implying that if you decide to do something risky or expensive, you might as well go all the way.

How do native speakers use this expression?