threepenny

adjective

three·​pen·​ny ˈthre-p(ə-)nē How to pronounce threepenny (audio) ˈthri- How to pronounce threepenny (audio) ˈthrə- How to pronounce threepenny (audio)
 US also  ˈthrē-ˌpe-nē
1
: costing or worth threepence
2
: poor

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of threepenny was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Threepenny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threepenny. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

threepenny

adjective
three·​pen·​ny ˈthrep-(ə-)nē How to pronounce threepenny (audio) ˈthrip- How to pronounce threepenny (audio) ˈthrəp- How to pronounce threepenny (audio)
 U.S. also  ˈthrē-ˌpen-ē
: costing or worth threepence
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