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  a small British coin worth half a new penny, withdrawn from circulation in 1985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

“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

To mark the start of repairs, English Heritage has invited a man to replace a halfpenny he placed under one of the stones in the 1950s when he was a boy.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2021

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2021

Copper halfpenny token produced for John Morse of Watford in 1666 For thirty years between 1644 and 1674 there was no official national supply of small change.

From The Guardian • Sep. 21, 2010

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

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