twopence

or tup·pence

[ tuhp-uhns ]

noun

, plural two·pence, two·pen·ces

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) British. a sum of two pennies.
2. a bronze coin of the United Kingdom equal to two pennies: issued after decimalization in 1971.
3. a former copper coin of Great Britain, equal to two pennies, issued under George III.
4. a former silver coin of England, equal to two pennies: issued only as maundy money after 1662.
5. a trifle.

twopence

/ ˈtʌpəns /

noun

1. the sum of two pennies
2. used with a negative something of little value (in the phrase not care or give twopence )
3. a former British silver coin, now only coined as Maundy money

Word History and Origins

Origin of twopence¹

1400–50; late Middle English two pens; two, pence

Example Sentences

The duty on importation had been only twopence per pound, a moderate sum in view of the prices realized by the sale of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Dazzled by the more lavish gifts, she looked listlessly and disdainfully at bodkins, three for twopence.

From Project Gutenberg

It carries the London working man p. 36twelve miles in and twelve miles out for twopence a day.

From Project Gutenberg

Two hearts that beat as one—you bet—twopence into a penny show now, Jeff!

From Project Gutenberg

It was a difference concerning twopence between the persons with the waggon and the man at the toll-bar.

From Project Gutenberg