tenpenny nail

noun

: a nail three inches (7.6 centimeters) long

Word History

Etymology

from its original price per hundred

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tenpenny nail was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tenpenny nail

Cite this Entry

“Tenpenny nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenpenny%20nail. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

tenpenny nail

noun
ten·​pen·​ny nail
ten-ˌpen-ē-
: a nail three inches (about 7.6 centimeters) long
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!