Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

farthing

noun
/ˈfɑːrθɪŋ/
Definition
A former British coin worth one quarter of a penny.
Examples
  • In the past, a farthing was used for small purchases, like a loaf of bread.
  • He dropped a farthing into the charity box.
  • Although it is no longer in circulation, the legend of the farthing endures in stories of old Britain.
Meaning
The term ‘farthing’ historically refers to a small unit of currency that was used in the United Kingdom before decimalization.
Synonyms
  • penny (in historical context)
  • coin (as a similar category)