Coinage

/ˈkɔɪnɪdʒ/

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The invention or creation of new words or phrases; the newly coined words or phrases themselves.

/ˈkɔɪnɪdʒ/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

The creation of new words or phrases.

The rapid expansion of the internet has resulted in a lot of new coinage.

💡 Simply: Imagine making up brand-new words! That's coinage. Like, someone might coin the phrase 'couch potato' to describe someone who spends a lot of time on the couch. That new phrase is coinage.

👶 For kids: Making up new words!

More Examples

2

Her unique coinage added a quirky charm to her writing.

How It's Used

Linguistics

"The rapid advancement of technology has led to a surge in new coinage."

Literature

"Shakespeare was a master of coinage, creating many words and phrases that are still used today."

2

The act or process of making coins.

/ˈkɔɪnɪdʒ/

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

The process of making coins.

The ancient Roman coinage is fascinating to study.

💡 Simply: Coinage is the act of making money—like the coins we use every day. It's the whole process, from melting metal to stamping a design.

👶 For kids: Making coins!

More Examples

2

The quality of the coinage improved significantly during the reign of the new emperor.

How It's Used

Numismatics

"The study of ancient coinage provides valuable insights into past civilizations."

Tip:Relates directly to the word 'coin'.

From Middle English *coinage*, from Old French *coinage*, from *coigne* ('coin, wedge, corner') + *age* ('action or process'). Originally referred to the process of minting coins; the meaning has broadened to encompass the creation of new words or phrases.

Historically, the word primarily referred to the making of coins. Its broader linguistic meaning developed later.

Memory tip

Think of 'coin' as in creating something new, like minting a new coin.

Base: coin
coinnagecoynage

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written