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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.


pence British  
/ pɛns /

noun

  1. a plural of penny

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

He's also seeking general damages – these are losses that can't be measured in pounds and pence.

From BBC

In pure pounds and pence, rather than percentages, the average bill is increasing between £99 per year and £192, depending on where you live.

From BBC

Rule changes introduced by the telecoms regulator this year mean that mobile and broadband providers must now tell customers "in pounds and pence" about any price rises, as well as when they occur.

From BBC

In new deals from Friday, before somebody agrees to a contract, providers must tell them "in pounds and pence" about any price rises, as well as when they will occur.

From BBC