halfpenny

American  

[hey-puh-nee, heyp-nee] / ˈheɪ pə ni, ˈheɪp ni /

noun

plural

halfpennies, halfpence

1. a bronze coin of the United Kingdom, equal to half a penny: use phased out in 1984.

2. the sum of half a penny.

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adjective

1. of the price or value of a halfpenny.

2. of little value; worthless.

   a halfpenny matter.

3. British Informal. (of newspapers) sensational, especially morbidly or offensively so.

halfpenny British  

/ ˈhɑːfˌpɛnɪ, ˈheɪpnɪ /

noun

1. Also called: half.  a small British coin worth half a new penny, withdrawn from circulation in 1985

2. an old British coin worth half an old penny

3. the sum represented by half a penny

4. something of negligible value

5. (modifier) having the value or price of a halfpenny

6. (modifier) of negligible value

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Etymology

Origin of halfpenny

First recorded in 1225–75, halfpenny is from the Middle English word halfpeny, halpeny. See half, penny

Example Sentences

It is a far cry from the old hospital, opened in 1904 at a cost of £3,200, and its upkeep paid for by iron and coal workers donating a halfpenny a week from their wages.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2023

“Wherever there is a halfpenny sheet of paper, a pen and a few drops of ink, there are the materials for a petition,” wrote one Chartist.

From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2022

It is postmarked Belfast, where the Titanic was built, and has a canceled halfpenny stamp.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2021

The Libraries Act of 1850 empowered larger local authorities to add a halfpenny to the rate to run a free public library – but not to buy books, or raise the capital to build it.

From The Guardian • Jan. 31, 2011

Davos stopped beneath the colonnade and traded a halfpenny for an apple.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin