penny-ante

1 of 2

adjective

pen·​ny-an·​te ˈpe-nē-ˈan-tē How to pronounce penny-ante (audio)
: small-time, two-bit

penny ante

2 of 2

noun

: poker played for very low stakes

Examples of penny-ante in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Its theme was that penny-ante contributions to local charitable institutions was as nothing, compared with the moral imperative to make as much money as one could, and then give it away. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024 Peep: ain’t no manuals for going from peddling near penny-ante amounts of crack to moving a whole kilo on consignment. — Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023
Noun
And the abuelas did not like to lose their penny ante poker games, said Surfside native Michelle Kuper, whose grandmother and aunt lived in Champlain East. — Author: Linda Robertson, Anchorage Daily News, 4 July 2021 See All Example Sentences for penny-ante

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penny-ante was in 1855

Rhymes for penny-ante

See All Rhymes for penny-ante

Browse Nearby Words

penny-a-liner
penny-ante
penny ante
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penny-ante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penny-ante. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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