Definition

Noun: 1. A British decimal coin with a value of ten pence: A unit of currency in the United Kingdom, equal to one-tenth of a pound sterling. Historically, it was a small, silver-colored coin. In 2012, its composition was changed and its size was significantly reduced. 2. The monetary value of ten pence: The amount or sum of money equivalent to ten pennies.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Coin):
  • I found a shiny new tenpence on the pavement.
  • The old, large tenpence coin is no longer in circulation.
• Noun (Value):
  • The price has increased by tenpence.
  • Can you lend me tenpence for the phone call?

Advanced Usage

• "Ten a penny" (Idiom): Very common and therefore of little value. (Note: This idiom uses "penny," not the specific coin "tenpence," but is a related expression concerning low value).
  • Smartphones are ten a penny these days.

Variants and Related Words

• 10p: The common written and spoken abbreviation for "ten pence" or "tenpence."
  • It costs 10p to use the locker.
• Ten pence: A standard alternative phrasing, often used interchangeably with "tenpence," especially in writing.
• Penny (p): The singular unit; one hundred pence make one pound (£1).
• Pound sterling (£): The primary unit of British currency.

Synonyms

• Ten pennies: (Literal equivalent in count, though not a single coin).
• Dime: (U.S. coin of ten cents; a conceptual synonym in a different decimal currency system).

Notes on Usage

• "Tenpence" can be written as one word ("tenpence") or as two words ("ten pence"). The one-word form is often used when referring to the specific coin itself.
• It is a countable noun. The plural is "tenpences" or "ten pence pieces" when referring to multiple coins.
  • I have three tenpences in my pocket.

Noun

1. a decimal coin worth ten pennies