sixpence

[siks-puhns]

noun

plural

sixpence, sixpences 

1. (used with a singular or plural verb),  a sum of six pennies.

2. (used with a singular verb),  a cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom, the half of a shilling, formerly equal to six pennies: equal to two and one-half new pence after decimalization in 1971.

sixpence

/ ˈsɪkspəns /

noun

1. a small British cupronickel coin with a face value of six pennies, worth 2 1/ 2 (new) pence, not minted since 1970

Word History and Origins

Origin of sixpence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, sixpence is from Middle English sexe pans. See six, pence

Example Sentences

“She’s a big presence, but she turns on a sixpence,” Wilson said.

From Los Angeles Times

The chaplain recorded that the plaque was nailed to some kind of marker, with a silver sixpence bearing the queen’s image.

From Los Angeles Times

Stone, who was born on 13 June 1932 in Chelsea, began taking photographs aged 13 after his mother gave him a Box Brownie Kodak camera that cost two shillings and sixpence.

From BBC

"I think whisky was two shillings and sixpence."

From BBC

Each of the figures cost sixpence each and was given to her mother, who passed it to her.

From BBC