Threepence

/ˈθrepəns/
noun

A small, old British coin worth three pennies.

He tossed a threepence into the fountain for good luck.
Visual representation of "threepence" - A small, old British coin worth three pennies.

Often appears as...

  • toss a threepence
  • spend a threepence
noun

A small, old British coin worth three pennies.

He tossed a threepence into the fountain for good luck.
Visual representation of "threepence" - A small, old British coin worth three pennies.

Often appears as...

  • toss a threepence
  • spend a threepence
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "threepence"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Historical Value

Understand that 'threepence' reflects historical currency value, not aligned with modern money amounts.

Illustration for Historical Value
Back in the day, a loaf of bread cost just a threepence.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Imagery

'Threepence' can evoke a sense of old British culture and times gone by.

Illustration for Cultural Imagery
Grandma often reminisced about buying sweets for a threepence.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Literal Use

The term is often used literally to refer to the coin, not the amount.

Illustration for Literal Use
He collected old coins, including a shiny threepence.
Visual representation of the word "Threepence"

Never forget "Threepence"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery

Quote examples

Kevin Whately

English Actor

I'm not interested in more money for the sake of it. You're aware that if you're nicking all the budget, somebody else is getting threepence ha'penny, or the production values aren't going to be so high.
Portrait of Kevin Whately

Quote examples

Karl Philipp Moritz

German Author

All over London as one walks, one everywhere, in the season, sees oranges to sell; and they are in general sold tolerably cheap, one and even sometimes two for a halfpenny; or, in our money, threepence.
Portrait of Karl Philipp Moritz

Quote examples

Kevin Whately

English Actor

I'm not interested in more money for the sake of it. You're aware that if you're nicking all the budget, somebody else is getting threepence ha'penny, or the production values aren't going to be so high.
Portrait of Kevin Whately

Quote examples

Karl Philipp Moritz

German Author

All over London as one walks, one everywhere, in the season, sees oranges to sell; and they are in general sold tolerably cheap, one and even sometimes two for a halfpenny; or, in our money, threepence.
Portrait of Karl Philipp Moritz
Example 1 of 2
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top