B1noun1K

Dime

UK /["/daɪm/"]/US /["/daɪm/"]/

Definition

a coin of the US and Canada worth ten cents

In simple words: A small coin worth ten cents in the US.

Examples

  • If he finds out who dropped the dime on him, they're in trouble.
  • I'm worried if I drop a dime on them, they'll get fired, which I don't think they really deserve.

Usage notes

Used commonly in everyday conversation when discussing money. More formal contexts may prefer to use 'currency'. Not typically used in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Dime sounds like 'time' — think of needing a dime to buy a minute.

Collocations

  • dime a dozen
  • cost a dime
  • dime bag

Synonyms

  • coin
  • cents
  • currency

Antonyms

  • nickel
  • quarter

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'penny' which is worth one cent.
  • Using 'dime' to refer to larger coins, like quarters.
  • Pronouncing it incorrectly as 'deem' instead of 'dime'.