A2noun1K

Penny

UK /["/ˈpeni/","/pens/"]/US /["/ˈpeni/","/pens/"]/

Definition

a small British coin and unit of money. There are 100 pence in one pound (£1).

In simple words: A small coin worth one cent.

Examples

  • I found a penny on the street today.
  • Save your pennies; they can add up over time.
  • The penny is worth one cent in the USA.
  • In our game, you need a penny to start.
  • My grandmother always gives me a penny for good luck.
  • She has saved enough pennies to buy a new toy.

Usage notes

Often used in everyday conversation to refer to small amounts of money. It is informal to use 'penny' in business contexts, where 'cent' may be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

countable noun

Memory hint

Think of 'penny' as a 'penny for your thoughts' — something small but valuable.

Collocations

  • penny for your thoughts
  • penny saved is a penny earned
  • penny arcade

Synonyms

  • cent
  • one-cent coin
  • small change

Antonyms

  • dollar
  • pound
  • euro

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'pennies' when referring to multiple coins.
  • Mistakenly using 'penny' for amounts larger than one cent.
  • Neglecting to recognize 'penny' as a countable noun.