a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound
"The old copper penny was once the smallest standard coin in circulation across both Ireland and the United Kingdom."
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, a copper coin worth ¹⁄₂₄₀ of a pound sterling or Irish pound before decimalisation. Abbreviation: d.
"The old man carefully counted his shillings and pence to pay for the loaf of bread before the currency was changed."
In plain English: A penny is a small copper coin worth one cent that you used to buy things before using digital payments.
"He found an old penny while walking on the beach."
Usage: In modern usage, "penny" refers to one cent in American English but is rarely used as currency in the UK or Ireland due to decimalisation; instead, it describes the act of wedging something tight with a coin. When referring to this specific action, ensure you use the verb form correctly by stating that someone penned up a door rather than simply inserting pennies between frames and doors.
To jam a door shut by inserting pennies between the doorframe and the door.
"The janitor had to wedge several old pennies in the gap to keep the heavy fire exit door closed during the storm."
In plain English: To penny means to add small amounts of money together over time until you have enough for something bigger.
"We need to penny this project together by each contributing what we can."
A diminutive of the female given name Penelope.
"The bride chose Penny as her nickname to honor her grandmother's old friend, Penelope."
The word penny comes from Old English, where it originally meant a small coin. Its exact ancient roots are unknown, though it is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.