rupee

American  

[roo-pee, roo-pee] / ruˈpi, ˈru pi /

noun

1. a cupronickel coin and monetary unit of India, Nepal, and Pakistan, equal to 100 paise. R., Re.

2. a cupronickel coin and monetary unit of Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, equal to 100 cents.

3. Also called rufiyaa.  a coin and monetary unit of the Maldives, equal to 100 laris.

4. a former monetary unit of Bhutan, equal to 100 naye paise.

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rupee British  

/ ruːˈpiː /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit of India, Nepal, and Pakistan (divided into 100 paise), Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Seychelles (divided into 100 cents)

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Etymology

Origin of rupee

First recorded in 1605–15, rupee is from the Hindi word rupayā

Example Sentences

“The pressure to tighten policy over the coming weeks and months will build if the Middle East conflict intensifies and in particular if the rupee comes under further downward pressure,” Shah said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The RBI said Friday that dealers should ensure their net open rupee positions in the onshore deliverable market is capped at $100 million at the end of each business day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The Indian rupee and most other Asian currencies weakened against the dollar amid worries over economic growth in the region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The central bank has more than $700 billion in reserves to defend the rupee.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

After staring at me for a moment, he said, “It would fetch only a rupee or two in the marketplace. Take it. But what will you do with it? Can you read?”

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan