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Definition penny

Etymology

From Middle English peni, from Old English penning, penni?, from Proto-Germanic *panningaz, of uncertain origin (see that page for theories).

Noun

penny (plural pennies or pence)

1. (historical) In the United Kingdom and Ireland, a copper coin worth ?₂₄₀ of a pound sterling or Irish pound before decimalisation. Abbreviation: d.
2. In the United Kingdom, a copper coin worth ?₁₀₀ of a pound sterling. Abbreviation: p.
3. (historical) In Ireland, a coin worth ?₁₀₀ of an Irish pound before the introduction of the euro. Abbreviation: p.
4. In the US and Canada, a one-cent coin, worth ?₁₀₀ of a dollar. Abbreviation: ¢.
5. In various countries, a small-denomination copper or brass coin.
6. A unit of nail size, said to be either the cost per 100 nails, or the number of nails per penny. Abbreviation: d.
7. Money in general.