What does pennyworth mean?
A pennyworth is the quantity of something that can be bought for one penny, or figuratively a very small amount. The word can also carry the implication of good value: a meal described as a pennyworth is inexpensive and worth the money spent. Its usual construction is “a pennyworth of” followed by the thing being measured, as in “a pennyworth of bread” or “a pennyworth of news.” In older usage, the expression could refer specifically to a small portion of food sold at a low price. Although pennies are no longer common in British or American currency, the word survives in idiomatic and literary contexts. It is especially associated with British English, where it sounds traditional and conversational, and it is useful when speaking about small quantities, modest prices, or unexpectedly economical value.
An amount or portion of something that can be bought for one penny, especially a small quantity.
"The newsstand displayed a pennyworth of local newspapers outside the station."
Usually appears in the phrase “a pennyworth of.”
Something regarded as good value for the money paid.
"For the price of a coffee, the breakfast was a pennyworth."
The plural is possible but uncommon; the phrase “a pennyworth of” is much more usual.
"The market stalls sold several pennyworths of fruit and vegetables."
A pennyworth was once a genuinely small but useful portion—and the phrase still turns a single coin into a memorable unit of value.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pennyworth come from?
“Pennyworth” is a compound of “penny” and “worth.” The word “penny” comes from Old English penning, while “worth” descends from Old English weorþ, meaning value or price. The compound developed in Middle English to describe an amount purchasable for a penny, and its figurative sense of good value developed from that literal meaning.
How pennyworth is actually used
Most often used in the fixed phrase “a pennyworth of.” The word is particularly common in British English and may sound traditional or old-fashioned in casual modern speech.
Easily confused with pennyworth
A penny is a coin worth one cent, whereas a pennyworth is the amount of something that can be bought for that coin.