Word noun
pence
n.
US /ˈpɛns/ UK /pˈɛns/ pence
Definition
- 01 A2 Elementary
The plural of 'penny', used to talk about a total amount of money in British pounds.
The plural form of 'penny' used collectively to denote a specific value or price in British currency.
Simple“A local phone call used to cost only ten pence many years ago.”
In context“The price of the newspaper has risen by twenty pence over the last year, reflecting increased production costs.”
UsageUsually follows a number to state a price; often abbreviated to 'p' in speech and writing.
PitfallThe bread costs eighty pences. The bread costs eighty pence.In modern British English, 'pence' is already plural; do not add an 's' to the end.
Synonyms
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated