Penny

/ˈpɛni/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A coin of low denomination, typically in the United States, worth one cent.

He found a penny on the sidewalk and picked it up.

A penny refers to a small sum of money.

I don't have a penny to my name after all my expenses.

A term used in expressions referring to a trivial amount or something cheap.

You can get that toy for just a penny!

verb

To represent something as worthless or trivial.

He always pennies his achievements, not realizing their true value.

From Old English 'pening', cognate with Old Norse 'peningr', Old High German 'pfening' (a coin).

penny for your thoughts

An invitation to share what someone is thinking.

a penny saved is a penny earned

Saving money is just as important as earning it.

in for a penny, in for a pound

If you're going to take a risk, you might as well take the bigger one as well.

cent

A coin equal to one hundredth of a dollar in the US.

nickel

A coin worth five cents.

dime

A coin worth ten cents.

A small amount of money.

I don't have a penny to my name.

To pinch or be stingy with money.

He's penny-pinching again this week.