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Shilling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shilling

[ˈʃɪlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

noun currency

A shilling was originally a coin used in England and several other countries, worth one twentieth of a pound. It was widely used as a currency in the United Kingdom until the decimalization of the currency in 1971. The term is also used in some Commonwealth nations and represents various values, often based on historical usage. Beyond its monetary value, the shilling has cultural significance, often appearing in literature and expressions related to wealth and economy.

Synonyms

coin, currency, money.

Examples of usage

  • He paid for the book with a shilling.
  • The price of the item was five shillings.
  • In the past, a shilling could buy a loaf of bread.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • In England, the shilling was used for daily transactions until the decimalization of currency in 1971.
  • The value of a shilling has changed over time; it was worth 12 pennies or 1/20th of a pound in the old system.
  • In various British colonies, shillings were minted and used, illustrating its global influence.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'sixpence and a shilling' appears in various songs, reflecting its significance in British culture.
  • Shillings play a role in classic British literature, with authors often referencing them to convey the time period.
  • In some movies and shows, characters might express wealth or lack thereof through the mention of shillings.

Economics

  • The usage of shilling influenced the way economies functioned, particularly in trade and commerce in earlier centuries.
  • The transition from the shilling to the decimal system is an example of how countries adapt their currency for modern economics.
  • Understanding the value of historical coins like the shilling can help comprehend economic changes over time.

Coin Collecting

  • Shilling coins are popular among collectors, often valued not just for their age but also for their design and historical significance.
  • Certain shilling coins can fetch high prices in auctions, especially if they're rare or in good condition.
  • Coin collectors often study the markings and mint years of shillings to understand more about their history.

Origin of 'shilling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shilling' comes from the Old English term 'scilling', which meant 'a coin'.
  • It originally referred to a specific value of currency, evolving over centuries in different regions.
  • In medieval times, it was often associated with both silver coins and their worth in terms of goods or services.

The term 'shilling' has its roots in the Old English word 'scilling', which referred to a coin or a monetary unit during the Anglo-Saxon period. The word was used in various forms across medieval England and evolved in both form and value over time. By the 16th century, the shilling was established as an important part of the currency system in England. It became a standard denomination in the pre-decimal currency system, symbolizing a specific amount of silver content. Over the centuries, the shilling was minted in various forms, including silver coins, leading to its cultural representation in trade and economy. The shilling saw its demise in everyday transactions with the introduction of decimal currency in the 20th century, yet it remains a historical reference in discussions about British currency.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,296, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.