small change

noun

1
: coins of low denomination
2

Examples of small change in a Sentence

a pocket full of small change The fine is a lot of money to some people, but to him it's small change. My problems are small change compared to yours. He wasn't a major criminal. He was strictly small change.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As credit card balances remain high, financial experts warn that even small changes in interest rates can have a huge effect on consumers. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 This seemingly small change has introduced a cascade of issues for users who have no choice but to rely on assistance or manipulate sharp tools to get their batteries. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Although the service is producing the work, students need time to read the text, make small changes, and submit it to their teacher before the deadline. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 This can include making small changes to the website’s format or input fields to confuse the bots during the checkout process, which can cause the programs to stall. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small change

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of small change was in 1679

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20change. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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