face value

noun

1

: the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)

2

: the apparent value or significance

if their remarks may be taken at face value

Examples of face value in a Sentence

We paid $100 for tickets that had a face value of $50.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yes, Amica offers whole life insurance products with face values of up to $1 million. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025

Some retailers offer discounts off the face value of the card, which can make up some or all of the fees. —Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024

Unlike individual bonds, which repay their face value at maturity regardless of interest rate fluctuations, bond funds are highly sensitive to rate changes and this can add to the volatility of the portfolio, especially if stock prices fall and interest rates go up at the same time. —Raul Elizalde, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The Broncos have remained a popular watch with tickets going for 35% above face value on the secondary market as recently as last year. —Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face value

• eigenvalue
• undervalue

Kids Definition

face value

noun

1

: the value indicated on the face of something (as a coin, bill, bond, or insurance policy)

2

: the apparent worth or significance

can't take what he says at face value

Legal Definition

face value

noun

: the value indicated on the face of something (as a stock certificate)