What does halfpence mean?
Halfpence is the standard plural of halfpenny. It can refer collectively to British coins that were each worth half a penny, or it can denote their combined monetary value. Before decimalisation, a halfpenny was worth one-fortieth of a shilling, two farthings, and one-eightieth of a pound. The word commonly appears in historical accounts of everyday prices, wages, and small change, often evoking the inexpensive purchases of pre-decimal Britain. In literary and nostalgic contexts, it can also suggest thrift, modest means, or an earlier age. Although halfpence is no longer a current denomination, the term remains familiar because of its distinctive irregular plural: just as one penny becomes pence, one halfpenny becomes halfpence. Alternative plurals such as halfpennies and half pennies are also recognized, but halfpence is the conventional form in modern British usage.
nounThe plural of halfpenny; formerly, a British coin worth half a penny, or the total value of such coins.
- Former British coins worth half a penny each, or the total amount of money represented by such coins.
"The old brass halfpence clinked in the till, worth just half a penny apiece."
"The old brass halfpence clinked in the till, worth just half a penny apiece."
"The novel describes a child counting halfpence behind the market stalls."
The standard plural of halfpenny; halfpennies and half pennies are also accepted alternative plurals.
"The shopkeeper asked the customer for the remaining halfpence."
Before Britain decimalised its currency, a halfpenny was worth one-fortieth of a shilling—and two farthings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does halfpence come from?
Halfpence is the plural of halfpenny, a compound formed in Middle English from half and penny. Penny ultimately derives from Old English pening, an old name for a coin. English developed the irregular plural pence from penny, and halfpence follows the same pattern, with halfpennies and half pennies retained as alternative plural forms.
Related word forms
How halfpence is actually used
The word is chiefly associated with pre-decimal Britain and may sound nostalgic or archaic in modern contexts. It is the standard plural of halfpenny, although halfpennies and half pennies are also accepted plural forms.
Easily confused with halfpence
A halfpenny is one coin or one half of a penny, whereas halfpence refers to two or more halfpennies or to their combined value.