pence

American  

[pens] / pɛns /

noun

British.

1. a plural of penny; used in referring to a sum of money rather than to the coins themselves (often used in combination).

   sixpence; The fare was 15 pence.

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pence British  

/ pɛns /

noun

1. a plural of penny

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Usage

Since the decimalization of British currency and the introduction of the abbreviation p, as in 10p, 85p, etc, the abbreviation has tended to replace pence in speech, as in 4p ˌfɔːˈpiː , 12p ˌtwɛlvˈpiː , etc

Other Word Forms

• penceless adjective

Etymology

Origin of pence

1275–1325; Middle English pens, pans

Example Sentences

The existing tax, which mainly applies to fizzy drinks, will be applied to bottles and cartons of milk-based drinks, including milkshakes, flavoured milk, milk substitute drinks and lattes, adding a few pence to their cost.

From BBC

But the regulator said investors should consider a proposal that might allow them to recover 77 pence in the pound.

From Reuters

Fifty pence coins carrying the image are already in circulation.

From BBC

Before the coronation, transport officials set up a special bus service that gave royal fans a tour of the decorations around town for a shilling and six pence, or 21 cents at the time.

From New York Times

Under this replacement full-expensing regime, companies will continue to save 25 pence on their tax bill for every 1 pound invested, the report said.

From Reuters