halfpenny

American  

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

noun

halfpennies, plural halfpence plural

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  a small British coin worth half a new penny, withdrawn from circulation in 1985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

Instead local tradesmen and town corporations took on this role by privately issuing halfpenny and farthing tokens.

From The Guardian • Sep. 21, 2010

“Sixpence and four pennies—that’s tenpence, and a halfpenny and a threepenny-bit,” said Jane, counting up quickly.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers