Dime

A dime is a United States coin worth ten cents, the smallest in diameter and thinnest of the U.S. circulating coins. It features the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse (heads) and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse (tails). Dimes are composed primarily of copper and nickel, making them durable and relatively resistant to wear. Historically, the word 'dime' also referred to a unit of value, a measure of worth, or even a small amount of something. The term can also be used colloquially to describe a perfect score, an excellent outcome, or to emphasize the small size of something. It is also a unit of currency and a significant part of American economic history, especially in coin collecting.

Dime meaning with examples

• The vending machine only accepted quarters, so I had to exchange my dimes at the cashier to buy a soda. I quickly fumbled for change and finally got 4 dimes, a nickel and a penny. The vending machine gave a disappointing thunk as my soda finally came loose, and I went on my way.
• Collecting old dimes, especially those from before 1965 which contained silver, can be a lucrative hobby. My grandpa always collected dimes to give us when we were young. Some dimes from specific years or with certain mint marks are highly sought after by numismatists, making them valuable.
• The cost of the bus ride was a single dime, so I made sure I had exact change before I got on board. The bus driver just stared ahead and gave us very curt responses, which always made for an unpleasant trip. It was a bargain, even for public transit in a major city!
• In a pinch, I had to borrow a dime from my neighbor to call my mom after my car broke down. I didn't have any cash on me, and I was really worried that I had ruined the car for good. I finally was able to get a hold of my mom to ask for a ride home.
• He gave the perfect answer, acing the test and the judge thought it was the best performance by far! The coach said he threw a 'dime' of a pass for his quarterback, meaning a perfect spiral. He should be getting the trophy in no time.