threepence

noun

three·​pence ˈthre-pən(t)s  ˈthri-  ˈthrə- 

US also

ˈthrē-pen(t)s 

plural threepence or threepences

1

: the sum of three pennies

Note: Threepence is usually used of three British pennies.

2

: a coin worth three pennies

Examples of threepence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Historians know the location of just one other New England threepence. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024

Rare New England threepence will likely sell for $1M at auction Rare New England threepence will likely sell for $1M at auction 02:30 An extraordinarily rare dime whose whereabouts had remained a mystery since the late 1970s has sold for just over $500,000. —CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

threepence

noun

three·​pence ˈthrep-ən(t)s  ˈthrip-  ˈthrəp- 

U.S. also

ˈthrē-ˌpen(t)s 

1

plural threepence or threepences : a coin worth three pennies

2

: the sum of three British pennies