dime
Americannoun
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a cupronickel-clad coin of the U.S. and Canada, the 10th part of a dollar, equal to 10 cents.
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Slang.
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ten dollars.
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a 10-year prison sentence.
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idioms
noun
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a coin of the US and Canada, worth one tenth of a dollar or ten cents
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very cheap or common
Etymology
Origin of dime
1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French di ( s ) me < Latin decima tenth part, tithe, noun use of feminine of decimus tenth, derivative of decem ten
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I’m willing to change anything on a dime if I see an opportunity,” he told The Journal on Monday.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Though many corporations are seeking refunds for the tariffs, consumers are unlikely to see a dime of it.
From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026
We should probably clarify that the dime saved is theirs, not yours.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026
Since then, the theory was confirmed, as the lower border stopped multiple intraday rallies, while the brief surge last week was stopped on a dime at the upper border.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
“You haven't spent a dime since you've been gone.”
From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
