pence

A shopkeeper counts out ten pence in coins for a customer.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Plural of penny: "pence" is the plural form of "penny" used to denote a sum of money in British currency (or other currencies using pennies), rather than the individual coins themselves.
   • Monetary value: It refers to a specific amount of money, often used in pricing or counting costs.

Usage Examples

• (The price is 50 units of penny-denominated currency.)
• (I have a small amount of money in pennies.)
• (She provided 10 units of penny value for transportation.)

Advanced Usage

• "pence" vs. "pennies": "pence" is used for amounts or values (e.g., "five pence"), while "pennies" refers to individual coins (e.g., "five pennies" = five separate coins).
  • I need twenty pence for the parking meter. (Value of 20 penny units.)
  • He dropped a handful of pennies on the floor. (Individual coins, not a sum.)

Variants and Related Words

• Penny (n): singular form; a coin or monetary unit.
  • A penny is worth one cent in the US. (A single coin of smallest denomination.)
• Pennyworth (n): an amount of something that can be bought for a penny.
  • That's a pennyworth of sweets. (A small quantity costing one penny.)

Synonyms

• Copper: informal term for a penny or small coin.
  • He gave me a few coppers for the charity box. (A few pennies.)
• Cent: in US currency, equivalent to a penny.
  • This candy costs five cents. (Five penny units.)

Related Idioms

• A pretty penny: a significant amount of money.
  • That car cost a pretty penny. (It was expensive.)
• For a penny, in for a pound: once committed to a small venture, one should commit fully to a larger one.
  • I already bought one ticket, so for a penny, in for a pound, I'll buy two more. (I'll go all in.)
• A penny for your thoughts: a request for someone to share what they are thinking.
  • You look deep in thought — a penny for your thoughts? (Tell me what you're thinking.)

Note on Usage

In British English, "pence" is commonly used in prices (e.g., "99 pence"), while in American English, "cents" is used instead. "Pence" is always plural and does not have a singular form; "penny" is the singular.