pence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High in UK/Ireland, low in USneutral
Quick answer
What does “pence” mean?
The plural of 'penny', referring to a British coin or unit of currency, originally one hundredth of a pound sterling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of 'penny', referring to a British coin or unit of currency, originally one hundredth of a pound sterling.
In modern usage, it primarily functions as a plural referring to British fractional currency, but can also be used historically or in reference to the unit itself in certain expressions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Pence' is the standard term for fractional currency in the UK. Americans do not use 'pence' to refer to their currency (which uses cents) but may use it in historical contexts or when discussing British currency.
Connotations
In the UK, 'pence' is neutral and purely monetary. In the US, it carries connotations of Britishness, history, or foreignness.
Frequency
Very high frequency in all UK contexts (media, commerce, everyday speech). Virtually absent in general US English except for specific references.
Grammar
How to Use “pence” in a Sentence
Number + pence (e.g., '50 pence')Number + pence + noun (e.g., 'a 20 pence stamp')Noun + of + pence (e.g., 'a handful of pence')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pence” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A fifty-pence piece.
- The twenty-pence stamp.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pricing, invoices, and financial reports (e.g., 'Cost per unit: 85 pence').
Academic
Used in economic history, numismatics, or descriptions of British economic data.
Everyday
Used in shopping, discussing prices, and giving change (e.g., 'That'll be three pounds twenty pence, please').
Technical
Used in currency specifications, minting, and financial trading where GBP is subdivided.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pence”
- Using 'pence' as a singular (incorrect: 'one pence'; correct: 'one penny').
- Using 'pences' as a double plural (incorrect).
- Pronouncing the written abbreviation 'p' as 'pee' in formal contexts.
- Confusing 'ten pence' with 'ten pennies' (the former is value, the latter is ten individual coins).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural (e.g., 'These pence are...'), though it refers to a unit. The singular is 'penny'.
Formally, 'fifty pence'. Informally in the UK, it's very common to say 'fifty pee'.
Only when specifically talking about British or Irish currency. For US currency, use 'cents'.
'Pence' refers to an amount or value (e.g., '50 pence'). 'Pennies' refers to individual, physical one-penny coins (e.g., 'a jar of pennies').
The plural of 'penny', referring to a British coin or unit of currency, originally one hundredth of a pound sterling.
Pence is usually neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not a single penny/pence to your name”
- “Penny wise, pound foolish”
- “In for a penny, in for a pound”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PENCE' are the Plural pENniES. P-EN-CE contains the core of PENNY.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A MEASURED SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'pouring pence into the project'). SMALL VALUE IS SMALL SIZE (e.g., 'a matter of pence').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CORRECT usage?