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noun

rupee

roo-PEE

Rupee (noun) means the main unit of currency used in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. Example: “The meal cost about two hundred rupees.”

noun
1
The main unit of currency used in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.
"The meal cost about two hundred rupees."
"She exchanged her dollars for rupees at the airport kiosk."

How to use rupee

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe name of the currency used across several South Asian countries.

Common pairings
Indian rupee Pakistani rupee a hundred rupees

Word forms

rupees plural

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Test yourself on “rupee” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The meal cost about two hundred _____.

Etymology

Coined under Sher Shah Suri in the 1540s from Sanskrit रूप्य (rūpya), meaning "wrought silver" or "stamped coin."

Origin: Sanskrit · First attested 1540

Class of 1540 rupee joined the language around 1540.
See the full Class of 1540 →

Rhymes for rupee

See all rhymes for rupee →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rupee” mean?

The word “rupee” means the main unit of currency used in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. In plain terms, the name of the currency used across several South Asian countries.

How do you pronounce “rupee”?

“Rupee” is pronounced roo-PEE (/ɹuˈpi/ in IPA).

How do you use “rupee” in a sentence?

Here is “rupee” used in a sentence: “The meal cost about two hundred rupees.”

What part of speech is “rupee”?

“Rupee” is a noun.

Where does the word “rupee” come from?

The word “rupee” dates back to around 1540 and comes from Sanskrit. Coined under Sher Shah Suri in the 1540s from Sanskrit रूप्य (rūpya), meaning "wrought silver" or "stamped coin.".

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