kopeck

or ko·pek, co·peck

[ koh-pek ]

noun

1. an aluminum-bronze coin of Russia, the Soviet Union, and its successor states, one 100th of a ruble.

kopeck

/ ˈkəʊpɛk /

noun

1. a monetary unit of Russia and Belarus worth one hundredth of a rouble: coins are still used as tokens for coin-operated machinery although the kopeck itself is virtually valueless

Word History and Origins

Origin of kopeck¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Russian kopéĭka, equivalent to kopʾë “lance, spear” + -ka diminutive suffix; so called from the lance with which the figure on the coin was armed

Word History and Origins

Origin of kopeck¹

Russian kopeika, from kopye lance; so called because of the representation of Tsar Ivan IV on the coin with a lance in his hand

Example Sentences

On the table beside the bed lay a silver watch and a silver twenty-kopeck piece.

From Project Gutenberg

The wedding gown alone cost every kopeck of fifty rubles, as the tailor's wife reported all over Polotzk.

From Project Gutenberg

At least, I never heard such talk in the market, when I went to buy a kopeck's worth of sunflower seeds.

From Project Gutenberg

How could one give away the last kopeck and arrive penniless in a strange land?

From Project Gutenberg

The money-box, in which the governess put away ten kopeck pieces and old stamps, was open.

From Project Gutenberg