twopence

or tup·pence

[ tuhp-uhns ]

noun

, plural two·pence, two·pen·ces

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) British. a sum of two pennies.
2. a bronze coin of the United Kingdom equal to two pennies: issued after decimalization in 1971.
3. a former copper coin of Great Britain, equal to two pennies, issued under George III.
4. a former silver coin of England, equal to two pennies: issued only as maundy money after 1662.
5. a trifle.

twopence

/ ˈtʌpəns /

noun

1. the sum of two pennies
2. used with a negative something of little value (in the phrase not care or give twopence )
3. a former British silver coin, now only coined as Maundy money

Word History and Origins

Origin of twopence¹

1400–50; late Middle English two pens; two, pence

Example Sentences

I know the “real” scientists don’t give a twopence about Tenpenny’s claims.

From Washington Post

I paid twopence for the painting—half my weekly pocket money—and then asked the wrinkled shop woman what it was meant to be.

From Literature

Children who seemed to have escaped evacuation ran about on the grass shouting and laughing, the band struggled with music beyond its capabilities, and deck chairs still cost twopence.

From Literature

As I make it myself, I can offer to sell it at twopence per box, though doctors charge sixpence for a far inferior article. 

From Project Gutenberg

“Two, as far as you go,” she said, handing twopence to the conductor when he came up for the fares.

From Project Gutenberg