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

Remember, in bonds, par equals $1,000 face value so, for example, a 50-bond par trade is $50,000. —Barnet Sherman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

According to a Thursday news release from the Christian charity, a generous donor dropped a half-ounce gold American Eagle Coin with a $25 face value on Dec. 19. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 27 Dec. 2024

Many restaurants offer discounts that as much as 16% off off the face value such as Sonic. —Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024

To combat scalpers, tickets could not be resold for more than face value. —Jade Gomez, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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)