peso

American  

[pey-soh, pe-saw] / ˈpeɪ soʊ, ˈpɛ sɔ /

noun

plural

pesos

1. a coin and monetary unit of Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Mexico, and the Philippines, equal to 100 centavos.

2. a coin and monetary unit of Uruguay, equal to 100 centesimos.

3. a former monetary unit of Argentina, equal to 100 centavos: replaced by the austral in 1985.

4. a former silver coin of Spain and Spanish America, equal to eight reals; dollar; piece of eight; piaster.

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peso British  

/ ˈpeso, ˈpeɪsəʊ /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit, comprising 100 centavos, of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Philippines; formerly also of Guinea-Bissau, where it was replaced by the CFA franc

2. the standard monetary unit of Uruguay, divided into 100 centesimos

3. another name for piece of eight

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Etymology

Origin of peso

< Spanish: literally, weight < Latin pēnsum something weighed, noun use of neuter of pēnsus, past participle of pendere to weigh

Example Sentences

“A surging downside risk could come from the Mexican peso’s strength in recent weeks, which will likely help to ease some pressure from tradable goods prices,” the bank’s economists said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a result, higher inflation now provides greater scope for the peso to depreciate, potentially pushing prices even higher.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, a rate reduction is a possibility due to subdued growth and recent strength in the Mexican peso, they said.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Caracas, prices are often denominated in dollars or euros, while on the borders, Colombian pesos and Brazilian reals are often used.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bessent said American financial support had been repaid and the US no longer held any Argentine pesos in its exchange stabilisation fund.

From BBC