Coin Meaning
/ˈkoɪ̯n/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA piece of currency, usually metallic and in the shape of a disc, but sometimes polygonal, or with a hole in the middle.
nounA token used in a special establishment like a casino.
Sentence Examples
The gold coin was much more valuable than was supposed.
There is a gold coin.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The archaeologist found an ancient gold ____ buried near the temple.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I was lucky enough to find a shiny gold ____ on the sidewalk while walking home.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English coyn, from Old French coigne (“wedge, cornerstone, die for stamping”), from Latin cuneus (“wedge”). Doublet of coign and cuneus. See also quoin (“cornerstone”). Displaced Middle English mynt, from Old English mynet (whence modern English mint), which was derived from Latin monēta.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"...the coins were of all countries and sizes - doubloons, and louis d'ors, and guineas, and pieces of eight..."
— 1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC:
"The loss of every present advantage to flesh and blood is repaid in a nobler coin."
— 1654, H[enry] Hammond, Of Fundamentals in a Notion Referring to Practise, London: […] J[ames] Flesher for Richard Royston, […], →OCLC:
"Tho’ truths in manhood darkly join,
Deep-seated in our mystic frame,
We yield all blessing to the name
Of Him that made them current coin; […]"
— 1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “Canto XXXVI”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 56:
"It was the biggest thing in the town, and everybody I met was full of it. They were going to run an over-sea empire, and make no end of coin by trade."
— 1899 February, Joseph Conrad, “The Heart of Darkness”, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, volume CLXV, number M, New York, N.Y.: The Leonard Scott Publishing Company, […], →OCLC, part I, page 199:
"Boy toy named Troy, used to live in Detroit, big dope dealer money he was getting some coin."
— 2014, Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”, in The Pinkprint:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The archaeologist found an ancient gold ____ buried near the temple.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I was lucky enough to find a shiny gold ____ on the sidewalk while walking home.