What does zloty mean?
Zloty is the name of Poland’s currency unit, with one zloty equal to 100 groszy. In English, it is used both for an individual monetary unit and, by extension, for the currency as a whole: for example, a traveler may exchange pounds for zloty or follow reports about the zloty’s exchange rate. The word comes from the Polish spelling złoty, which literally means “golden” and reflects the historical importance of gold in European coinage. In ordinary English usage, zloty is regionally associated with Poland, while zloties or zlotys are common plural forms. It is a useful term for anyone discussing Polish prices, travel, finance, or economics, although the official currency symbol remains zł.
nounThe zloty is the basic monetary unit of Poland, equal to 100 groszy. Its name is also used for the currency of the Polish złoty.
- The monetary unit of Poland, equal to 100 groszy; also, by extension, the Polish currency.
"The meal cost eighty zloties."
"The price of the ticket includes twenty zloties."
"The central bank announced a change in the policy rate for the zloty."
Both plural forms occur in English; amounts of money are commonly expressed with the plural.
"The tour cost four hundred zloties."
The name złoty literally means “golden,” preserving a connection between Poland’s currency and the precious metal once central to money.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zloty
The word comes from Polish złoty, literally “golden,” and is derived from Proto-Slavic *zlъtъ, meaning “golden” or “made of gold.” This form continues an Indo-European word associated with gold or a yellow-golden color. Related cognates include Czech zlatý, Croatian and Serbian zlato, and English gold and golden.
How zloty is actually used
In English, zloty is used when discussing Polish money or exchange rates. The Polish spelling is złoty; English dictionaries also commonly use zloties or zlotys for the plural.