penny
UK: ˈpeni | US: ˈpeni
n. a small unit of currency (1/100 of a pound sterling or formerly in the UK; 1 cent in the US)
n. a coin of this value
n. (informal) a small sum of money
The word "penny" traces back to Old English penning or pening, derived from Proto-Germanic panningaz, likely related to trade or exchange. The root pen- originally denoted a coin or token, while the suffix -ny (or earlier -ing) functioned as a diminutive or nominalizer. Over time, the term stabilized in Middle English as "penny," retaining its core meaning as a small monetary unit. Its persistence across Germanic languages (e.g., German Pfennig, Dutch penning) highlights its ancient role in commerce.
She saved every penny she earned to buy a new bicycle.
In medieval England, a penny could buy a loaf of bread.
"A penny for your thoughts?" he asked playfully.
The old fountain was littered with pennies and wishes.
He refused to spend a penny on unnecessary luxuries.