# coinage

/ˈkɔɪnɪdʒ/ (US) · /kˈɔɪnɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coinage
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a new word or phrase that someone has recently invented. It can also mean the metal coins used as money in a country.

For teachers: the invention of a new word or phrase; alternatively, the system of metal currency in use within a specific economy. Often refers to the first instance of a term being used in literature or speech.

## Examples

- The word 'blog' is a relatively recent coinage.
- Shakespeare is credited with the coinage of hundreds of English words that are still in common use today.
- While some linguistic innovations are forgotten within weeks, a successful coinage fills a specific conceptual gap and eventually becomes indistinguishable from the established lexicon.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general system of coins; countable when referring to specific invented words.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.