threepence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “threepence” mean?
A former British coin and monetary unit equal to three old pence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A former British coin and monetary unit equal to three old pence.
A small amount of money, especially used idiomatically to indicate something of little value or significance. Historically refers to the silver coin of this value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is exclusively British (and Commonwealth) in its historical and cultural reference. It has no direct equivalent or usage in American English due to different monetary history.
Connotations
In British English, it evokes nostalgia, historical context, and a bygone era. It is rarely used literally.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary American English. In UK English, its use is confined to historical discussion, idioms, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “threepence” in a Sentence
[noun] worth threepence[verb] for threepenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “threepence” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a threepenny bit
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only in historical financial contexts.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or numismatic studies.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent in modern conversation, except in set idioms or among older generations.
Technical
Used in numismatics (coin collecting).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “threepence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “threepence”
- Spelling as 'three pence' (two words) when referring specifically to the historical coin (standard is one word).
- Pronouncing it as 'three-pence' (/θriː pɛns/) instead of the traditional /ˈθrʌp(ə)ns/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The coin was demonetised in 1971 with decimalisation of the British pound.
It is traditionally pronounced /ˈθrʌp(ə)ns/, sounding like 'thrup-ence'. The spelling pronunciation /θriː-pɛns/ is also heard but is less authentic.
They refer to the same thing. 'Thruppence' is a common colloquial or phonetic spelling reflecting the traditional pronunciation.
Only in historical contexts, idiomatic expressions, or dialogue to evoke a specific period. It is not used for contemporary transactions.
A former British coin and monetary unit equal to three old pence.
Threepence is usually archaic, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a brass farthing/threepence (meaning worthless)”
- “turn up like a bad threepence/thrupenny bit (meaning to appear unwanted)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of THREE PENCE (pennies) stuck together to make one small, old coin.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL AMOUNT IS INSIGNIFICANT / THE PAST IS A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.
Practice
Quiz
In which currency system was 'threepence' a unit?