dime

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.

“Dime” is pronounced dym (/daɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “dime” used in a sentence: “He fished a dime out of his pocket for the parking meter.”

Depending on how it is used, “dime” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “dime” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman "disme" ("a tenth, a tithe"), from Latin "decima (pars)", "tenth part".

“Dime” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Dime” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a US or Canadian coin worth ten cents.

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.

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.

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.