Dime: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ต
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dime

 

[ daษชm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

currency unit

A dime is a United States coin that is worth ten cents, or one-tenth of a dollar. It is the smallest coin currently in circulation in the U.S. in terms of physical size. The dime is silver-colored and features the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse side. It was first minted in 1796 and has had various designs over the years. The term 'dime' is also used informally to refer to ten of anything, most commonly in reference to money.

Synonyms

10 cents, ten-cent coin

Examples of usage

  • I only have a dime left in my pocket.
  • Can you give me a dime for the vending machine?
  • The price of a candy bar is more than a dime nowadays.
Context #2 | Verb

informal speech

To 'dime' can also mean to inform or snitch on someone, particularly in a criminal context. This usage implies that one is telling authorities or figures of authority about someone's wrongdoing or illicit activities. The term may stem from the idea of giving up a 'dime' or a small amount of information, often viewed negatively.

Synonyms

inform, snitch, tattle

Examples of usage

  • He decided to dime on his accomplices to get a lighter sentence.
  • You can't trust him; he'll dime you out in a heartbeat.

Translations

Translations of the word "dime" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dime

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคพเค‡เคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dime

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dime

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะฐะนะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dime

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ€ใ‚คใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dime

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dime

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dime

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ค์ž„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุงูŠู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dime

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dime

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆˆดๅง†

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dime

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dime

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะฐะนะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ˜แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dime

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dime

Etymology

The term 'dime' originates from the French word 'dรฎme,' which means 'tithe' or 'tenth part.' The word was first adopted into English in the early 19th century, coinciding with the introduction of the dime as a coin. The first U.S. dime was produced in 1796, under the Coinage Act of 1792, which established the U.S. dollar and its subdivisions. The design of the coin has changed multiple times throughout history, featuring various figures, including Lady Liberty and, later, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The nickname for the dime evolved, reflecting both its value and size, and has remained a colloquial term for a ten-cent piece ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,533, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.