cents

word · lemma: cent

/ˈsɛns/
sents
/sˈɛnts/
sents

Definition

Cents are small units of money equal to one hundredth of a dollar or some other currencies. People use them to talk about prices, coins, and exact amounts of money.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used after a number: '25 cents', not often just 'cents' alone unless the amount is already clear. In everyday speech, Americans also say 'a cent' or 'a penny' for one cent. Don't confuse it with 'sense' — they sound the same.

Example Sentences

This apple is ninety-nine cents.

basic

Do you have a few cents for the parking meter?

natural

The candy costs fifty cents.

basic

I found ten cents in my pocket.

basic

They raised the price by twenty cents, which is annoying.

natural

It's only a few cents cheaper, so it doesn't really matter.

natural