penny-farthing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “penny-farthing” mean?
A type of early bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small rear wheel, named after the relative sizes of a penny and a farthing coin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of early bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small rear wheel, named after the relative sizes of a penny and a farthing coin.
An antiquated, impractical, or overly cumbersome object or system, especially one that is nostalgically remembered.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. The alternative name 'ordinary' or 'high-wheeler' is more common in US historical contexts.
Connotations
UK: Stronger nostalgic/historical association, named after British coins. US: Primarily seen as a technical/historical curiosity.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to the coin-based etymology, but remains rare in both.
Grammar
How to Use “penny-farthing” in a Sentence
to ride [on] a penny-farthinga penny-farthing from the 1880sas antiquated as a penny-farthingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “penny-farthing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He has a penny-farthing collection.
American English
- It was a penny-farthing race.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically for outdated business models or technology ('Their IT system is a real penny-farthing').
Academic
Used in historical texts about transport, technology, or Victorian society.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used when seeing one at a historical fair or in a period drama.
Technical
Used in museum curation, antique collecting, and cycling history circles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “penny-farthing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “penny-farthing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “penny-farthing”
- Spelling: 'penny-farthering', 'penny-fathering'.
- Using it as a general term for any old bicycle (specifically refers to the high-wheel design, c. 1870s-1880s).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a hyphenated compound noun, derived from the names of two British coins.
Yes, but rarely. It can be used attributively (e.g., 'a penny-farthing race') to describe something related to such bicycles.
'Velocipede' is a broader term for early human-powered vehicles, including the penny-farthing's predecessor, the 'boneshaker'. The penny-farthing is a specific type of high-wheel velocipede.
The large front wheel was directly attached to the pedals (no chain). A larger wheel meant you travelled further with each pedal rotation, allowing for higher speeds.
A type of early bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small rear wheel, named after the relative sizes of a penny and a farthing coin.
Penny-farthing is usually historical, literary in register.
Penny-farthing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpen.i ˈfɑː.ðɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpen.i ˈfɑːr.ðɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a penny-farthing approach (an outdated method)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a giant PENNY coin as the front wheel, rolling next to a tiny FARTHING coin as the back wheel.
Conceptual Metaphor
OUTDATED IS PHYSICALLY UNBALANCED / PROGRESS IS INCREASED SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary reason the penny-farthing became obsolete?