halfpenny

[ hey-puh-nee, heyp-nee ]

noun

, plural half·pen·nies half·pence [hey, -p, uh, ns]

1. a bronze coin of the United Kingdom, equal to half a penny: use phased out in 1984.
2. the sum of half a penny.

adjective

1. of the price or value of a halfpenny.
2. of little value; worthless:

   a halfpenny matter.

3. British Informal. (of newspapers) sensational, especially morbidly or offensively so.

halfpenny

/ ˈhɑːfˌpɛnɪ; ˈheɪpnɪ /

noun

1. Also calledhalf -pennies a small British coin worth half a new penny, withdrawn from circulation in 1985
2. -pennies an old British coin worth half an old penny
3. -pence the sum represented by half a penny
4. -pence something of negligible value
5. modifier having the value or price of a halfpenny
6. modifier of negligible value

Word History and Origins

Origin of halfpenny¹

First recorded in 1225–75, halfpenny is from the Middle English word halfpeny, halpeny. See half, penny

Example Sentences

The price of tobacco accordingly dropped from fourpence a pound to a halfpenny per pound by 1667.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing further transpired, however, and the readers of the halfpenny press for once were deprived of their sensation.

From Project Gutenberg

When I was a boy, such a thing was out of the question, as to each paper a fourpenny-halfpenny stamp was attached.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, in tossing up a halfpenny, do we reckon it equally probable that we shall throw cross or pile?

From Project Gutenberg

The flowers are lovely; you can buy a big bunch of violets for a son, and sou is the peasant word for a halfpenny.

From Project Gutenberg