sixpence
Americannoun
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(used with a singular or plural verb) a sum of six pennies.
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(used with a singular verb) a cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom, the half of a shilling, formerly equal to six pennies: equal to two and one-half new pence after decimalization in 1971.
noun
Etymology
Origin of sixpence
First recorded in 1350–1400, sixpence is from Middle English sexe pans. See six, pence
Vocabulary lists containing sixpence
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 chaplain recorded that the plaque was nailed to some kind of marker, with a silver sixpence bearing the queen’s image.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025
Each of the figures cost sixpence each and was given to her mother, who passed it to her.
From BBC • Dec. 24, 2021
Once a week, if the family had a sixpence to spare, Thomas would walk to the public baths and swim “just to get clean.”
From New York Times • Oct. 31, 2020
On April 3, 1769, Robert Hays paid 45 pounds, two shillings and sixpence for 339 and one-half acres in what would shortly become Franklin Township.
From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2019
Mam is delighted I earned sixpence for reading to Mr.Timoney and what was it he wanted read, the Limerick Leader?
From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
