NOTE to parents, teachers, and educators of every kind:
Use this definition as a simple, kid-friendly teaching tool. Click this link to view the full index of current money terms and definitions, and learn how to use the Sammy Rabbit dictionary to support teaching and learning.
Word and Category
Word: Dime
Related Definition: Coin
Category: System Word
What this category means: System words explain how money is used and organized in the real world. They help children understand what money looks like, how it is counted, and how people use it to buy, save, or make change.
Definitions
In Simple Words
A dime is a coin worth ten cents.
It is worth more than a nickel and less than a quarter.
A dime is the same value as 10 pennies, or 5 pennies and 1 nickel, or 2 nickels.
A Little More Grown-Up
A dime is a ten-cent coin used in the United States. Dimes are often used to help people count money by tens and make change.
Context Clues
You may see the word “dime” in Sammy Rabbit stories and activities when kids are learning how different coins have different values.
Sammy Says
Sammy Says: “Ten cents at a time—dimes help your savings grow faster! Remember, the song Get in the Habit: from every dollar (you earn or receive), save a dime!”
Money Habit Connection
Learning about dimes helps kids practice counting money, understand coin values, and see how saving higher-value coins can help money add up more quickly.
Silly Sentence
My dime was so shiny it thought it was the boss of the piggy bank!
Serious Sentence
When you save dimes, you are taking steady steps toward your money goals.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
A dime went clink inside my jar—ten cents closer, here we are!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
Each dime I save both near and far helps me know how saving works by far.
Examples of Dimes
A dime used to make change
Dimes saved in a piggy bank
Dimes counted by tens
Dimes added together to make a dollar
Examples of What Is Not a Dime
Pennies, nickels, or quarters
Paper money (dollar bills)
Digital money
Related Money Words
Coin • Penny • Nickel • Quarter • Money • Save
Opposite Money Words
Penny (smaller value) • Dollar (larger value)
Questions Parents and Teachers Can Ask Kids
Ask your child or student:
“How many dimes does it take to make one dollar?”
Remember
Dimes may be small, but saving them can help your money grow faster.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
Want a FREE printable PDF of the complete Sammy Rabbit Kid-Friendly Money Dictionary? Contact us to learn how to get a copy for your home, classroom, or community.
Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com, starting with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
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