coinage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical (Linguistics, Numismatics)
Quick answer
What does “coinage” mean?
The invention of a new word or phrase.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The invention of a new word or phrase; the act or process of coining words.
1. A newly invented word or phrase (neologism). 2. The system of coins (money) used in a country. 3. The coins themselves; metal currency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use all senses. The linguistic sense may be slightly more common in academic texts globally.
Connotations
Neutral/formal for all senses. The currency sense can imply 'official monetary system'.
Frequency
The 'currency/coins' sense is likely more frequent in general historical or economic discourse. The linguistic sense is specialized.
Grammar
How to Use “coinage” in a Sentence
the coinage of (a new term)(word/phrase) is a recent coinageto introduce/debase the coinageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coinage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author is famed for coining memorable phrases.
- The government will coin new commemorative pounds.
American English
- The tech industry constantly coins new jargon.
- The US Mint coins billions of quarters each year.
adverb
British English
- The term was used, not entirely coinage-accurately, to describe the trend.
- (Note: 'coinage' as an adverb is extremely rare and non-standard)
American English
- He described the process almost coinage-like, inventing terms on the spot.
- (Note: 'coinage' as an adverb is extremely rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The coinage reform of 1971 was significant.
- He is a master of coinage creativity in poetry.
American English
- Coinage metal prices affect minting costs.
- Her coinage skill enriched the technical lexicon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the minting and supply of physical currency by a government or central bank.
Academic
In linguistics: the study of neologisms. In history/archaeology: the study of ancient coins.
Everyday
Most commonly understood as 'coins' or 'change'. The linguistic sense is used by writers, journalists, or language enthusiasts.
Technical
Specific term in numismatics (study of coins) and lexicology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coinage”
- Using 'coinage' to mean just 'a single coin' (use 'coin').
- Confusing 'coinage' (system/process) with 'coins' (individual items).
- Misspelling as 'coignage' or 'coinige'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has two primary meanings: 1) the invention of a new word/phrase, and 2) metal currency/coins as a system. Context determines which.
'Coinage' can mean the *act* of creating a new word OR the word itself. 'Neologism' refers specifically to the newly created word itself.
No. The related verb is 'to coin'. 'Coinage' is a noun.
It is formal or technical in both its linguistic and currency senses. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'coins' or 'new word'.
The invention of a new word or phrase.
Coinage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔɪnɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔɪnɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To coin a phrase (often used ironically).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COIN being minted at a MINT. COINage is the process of making COINs (metal money) or new COINed words.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS CURRENCY (words are coined/minted, have currency, circulate, may be debased).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'coinage' MOST LIKELY refer to physical objects?