C2noun3K

Nickel

UK /["/ˈnɪkl/"]/US /["/ˈnɪkl/"]/

Definition

a chemical element. Nickel is a hard silver-white metal used in making some types of steel and other alloys.

In simple words: A nickel is a coin worth five cents.

Examples

  • I found a nickel on the ground.
  • The vending machine takes nickels, dimes, and quarters.
  • Can you spare a nickel for the bus fare?

Usage notes

Use 'nickel' when referring to the specific five-cent coin in casual or everyday conversation. It's not typically used in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone object

Memory hint

Think of a 'nickel' as 'five' on a 'nickel' scale - 5 cents!

Collocations

  • collect nickels
  • spend a nickel
  • nickel coin

Synonyms

  • five-cent coin
  • currency
  • coin

Antonyms

  • penny
  • dollar

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'penny' or 'dime'
  • Using 'nickels' in singular contexts when it should be plural
  • Mispronouncing as 'nipple'