loose change: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “loose change” mean?
Coins of low value, not contained in a wallet or purse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Coins of low value, not contained in a wallet or purse.
Small, often insignificant amounts of money readily available; metaphorically, something trivial or easily spent/dismissed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'loose change'.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “loose change” in a Sentence
[have] + loose change[check] + for loose change[count] + loose changeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loose change” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It's just a loose-change purchase.
American English
- He's a loose-change millionaire (metaphorical).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in informal contexts: 'The vending machine revenue is just loose change compared to our online sales.'
Academic
Very rare, except in sociological studies on poverty or microeconomics.
Everyday
Very common: checking pockets, paying for small items, charity donations.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loose change”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “loose change”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loose change”
- Using 'lost change' (implies misplaced).
- Confusing with 'loosen change' (verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, specifically coins, usually of low denomination. It excludes notes/bills.
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to anything trivial, insignificant, or easily expendable (e.g., 'That amount is just loose change to them').
They are largely synonymous. 'Spare change' can slightly emphasise it being extra or not needed, while 'loose' emphasises its physical state (not contained).
No. It is a non-count noun. You cannot say 'a loose change'. You say 'some loose change' or 'a bit of loose change'.
Coins of low value, not contained in a wallet or purse.
Loose change is usually informal, everyday in register.
Loose change: in British English it is pronounced /ˌluːs ˈtʃeɪndʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌluːs ˈtʃeɪndʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chicken feed (metaphorical equivalent for trivial money)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of coins LOOSELY jingling in your pocket, not tied up in a wallet.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIMPORTANT IS SMALL CHANGE (e.g., 'His opinion is just loose change to me').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'loose change'?