dime
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dime, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A US or Canadian coin worth ten cents.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dime
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman "disme" ("a tenth, a tithe"), from Latin "decima (pars)", "tenth part".
Full origin of dime →Frequently asked questions
What does “dime” mean?
The word “dime” means a US or Canadian coin worth ten cents. In plain terms, most commonly the ten-cent coin, though slang uses stretch it to mean small change, a perfect-looking person, or turning someone in to police.
How do you pronounce “dime”?
“Dime” is pronounced dym (/daɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “dime” in a sentence?
Here is “dime” used in a sentence: “He fished a dime out of his pocket for the parking meter.”
What part of speech is “dime”?
Depending on how it is used, “dime” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dime” come from?
The word “dime” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman "disme" ("a tenth, a tithe"), from Latin "decima (pars)", "tenth part".
Is “dime” a common word?
“Dime” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dime” have?
“Dime” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a US or Canadian coin worth ten cents.
What is the difference between a "dime" and a "nickel"?
A dime is a US or Canadian coin worth ten cents, while a nickel is worth five cents, making the dime worth double the nickel despite being physically smaller. This size-versus-value mismatch often surprises people unfamiliar with US coinage.
What does it mean to call someone a "dime" in slang?
In slang, calling someone a "dime" means describing them as a very attractive person, rated a perfect ten out of ten. This informal usage is common in casual conversation, particularly among younger speakers, and has nothing to do with the coin's monetary value.
What does it mean to "dime" someone out?
To "dime" someone, or "dime someone out," is slang meaning to inform on them to the authorities, similar to snitching or reporting wrongdoing. This usage is informal and often carries a negative connotation toward the person doing the informing.