halfpenny

[hey-puh-nee, heyp-nee]

noun

plural

halfpennies, halfpence 

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 called: half. a small British coin worth half a new penny, withdrawn from circulation in 1985

2. an old British coin worth half an old penny

3. the sum represented by half a penny

4. 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

“Wherever there is a halfpenny sheet of paper, a pen and a few drops of ink, there are the materials for a petition,” wrote one Chartist.

From New York Times

To mark the start of repairs, English Heritage has invited a man to replace a halfpenny he placed under one of the stones in the 1950s when he was a boy.

From BBC

Brett also told the news agency that the person who left the time capsule even wrote a note apologizing for only leaving halfpennies.

From Fox News

It is postmarked Belfast, where the Titanic was built, and has a canceled halfpenny stamp.

From Seattle Times

After the farthing was withdrawn in 1960, the halfpenny was the lowest denomination coin until its demise in the run-up to decimalisation.

From BBC