twopence

American  

[tuhp-uhns] / ˈtʌp əns /

Or tuppence

noun

plural

twopence, twopences

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a sum of two pennies.

2. a bronze coin of the United Kingdom equal to two pennies: issued after decimalization in 1971.

3. a former copper coin of Great Britain, equal to two pennies, issued under George III.

4. a former silver coin of England, equal to two pennies: issued only as maundy money after 1662.

5. a trifle.

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twopence British  

/ ˈtʌpəns /

noun

1. the sum of two pennies

2. (used with a negative) something of little value (in the phrase not care or give twopence )

3. a former British silver coin, now only coined as Maundy money

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Etymology

Origin of twopence

1400–50; late Middle English two pens; see two, pence

Example Sentences

I know the “real” scientists don’t give a twopence about Tenpenny’s claims.

From Washington Post • Jun. 10, 2021

The London Times, formerly three half pence, is up to twopence.

From Time Magazine Archive

On Wednesday, too, railway fares increased twopence to threepence on the shilling.

From Time Magazine Archive

He bought it for twopence, and took it home to devour it, and it overwhelmed him.

From Time Magazine Archive

Children who seemed to have escaped evacuation ran about on the grass shouting and laughing, the band struggled with music beyond its capabilities, and deck chairs still cost twopence.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan