# rupee

/ɹuˈpi/ (US) · /ɹˈuːpiː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rupee
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. modern currency

noun · CEFR B1

the official unit of money used in countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

For teachers: the primary unit of currency in several countries, most notably India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

- The price of the meal was five hundred rupees in the local market.
- The central bank intervened to stabilize the rupee after it reached a record low against the dollar during the summer.

Usage: The word is a countable noun; the plural is 'rupees'.

### 2. historical coin

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a silver coin used in India in the past, from the 1500s until the 1900s.

For teachers: a silver coin of a specific weight (one tola) that circulated in India from the 16th century through the early 20th century.

- The museum displayed a collection of silver rupees from the Mughal Empire.
- Historical records indicate that the silver rupee remained remarkably consistent in weight and purity throughout the colonial administration.

## Examples

- The meal costs five hundred rupees.
- Travelers should exchange their currency for rupees upon arrival at the international airport in Mumbai.
- The central bank intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the rupee against the dollar after a sudden drop in investor confidence.

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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.