What does shilling mean?
A shilling was a coin and monetary unit in the former British currency system. Before decimalisation in 1971, one shilling was equal to 12 old pence, while 20 shillings made one pound. Because the denomination was part of everyday British life for centuries, the word now commonly appears in historical accounts of wages, prices, literature, and working-class culture. Expressions such as “a shilling a week” evoke modest earnings and old economic conditions, while references to shillings and pence may suggest a pre-decimal setting. Although the coin is no longer in circulation, “shilling” remains intelligible and evocative in historical writing, quotation, and discussion of the old British currency. It should not be confused with “shill,” a verb meaning to promote or sell a product, service, or questionable scheme.
nounA former British coin worth 12 old pence, or one twentieth of a pound. The term also denotes the monetary unit represented by that coin and may appear in historical expressions of price or wages.
- A former British coin worth 12 old pence.
- The former monetary unit equal to 12 old pence or one twentieth of a pound.
"The guide charged a shilling for directions through the old quarter of the city."
"My grandfather remembered paying a shilling for a newspaper."
"The old receipt lists the price as five shillings."
The usual plural form, used especially in historical prices, wages, and coin collections.
"The meal cost three shillings in the old currency."
Before decimalisation, Britain used 20 shillings to the pound, with each shilling worth 12 old pence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shilling come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English scilling, referring to a silver coin. It is related to cognates such as German Schilling, Danish and Norwegian skilling, and Swedish sjilling, all reflecting a Germanic origin in a term for a silver coin. The English word came to denote the British silver coin that was equal to 12 pence.
Related word forms
How shilling is actually used
Primarily historical or literary in modern English. It may be used figuratively in phrases referring to old wages, prices, or working-class conditions. The spelling is also found in historical British and Commonwealth contexts.
Easily confused with shilling
“Shilling” is the historical British coin and monetary unit; “shill” is a verb meaning to promote or sell something, often in a disreputable way.