Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Pound sterling

//paʊnd ˈstɜː(ɹ).lɪŋ// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The currency of the United Kingdom.

    "Andrew Houſtoun and Adam Muſhet, being Tackſmen of the Excize, did Imploy Thomas Rue to be their Collector, and gave him a Sallary of 30. pound Sterling for a year."

  2. 2
    the basic unit of money in Great Britain and Northern Ireland; equal to 100 pence wordnet

Etymology

The basic unit of currency in medieval England was the silver penny or sterling, weighing ¹⁄₂₄₀ of a tower pound. 240 of these coins made a "pound of sterlings". This term (shortened to "pound sterling" in later usage) continued to be used for a sum of 240 pence even after the sterling had ceased to circulate. The modern pound sterling is equivalent to 100 new pence.

See also for "pound sterling"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Want a quick game? Try Word Finder.