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: Money
Related Definition: Money Habits
Category: System Word
What this category means: System words explain how money is used in the real world. They help children understand what money is for and how people use it to buy, save, give, and trade for things they need and want.
Definitions
In Simple Words
Money is a tool we use to trade for things we need or want.
Money is a tool we use to exchange for goods and services.
Money is a tool we use to buy things and help us reach dreams and goals.
A Little More Grown-Up
Money is something people use to trade and measure value. We use it to buy, sell, save, give, and invest in goods, services, and opportunities.
Context Clues
Use the sentences below or create your own to add context to the featured word.
Context helps kids (and adults) understand what a word means by showing how it is used in real situations, not just what it means on its own. The words, pictures, and actions around a new word give clues that make its meaning clearer, easier to remember, and easier to use correctly later.
You can also explore Sammy Rabbit stories, songs, and activities to see and hear the word used in fun, meaningful ways that bring even more context to learning.
Sammy Says Sentences
Sammy Says: “Use money wisely! Make good money choices. Using money wisely and making good money choices are great habits that will take you far."
Silly Sentence
My money wanted a nap, so I tucked it into my piggy bank and told it to grow big and strong.
Serious Sentence
Money helps us pay for things we need today and save for things we want in the future.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentences:
Money, money, here you see, helping me buy snacks and toys with glee!
Money, money, funny and round, it hops from my pocket and rolls on the ground—I’ll catch it and keep it and buy a big snack, then wait for the jingle to come bouncing back!"
Serious Rhyming Sentences:
When I save my money and spend it right, I build my future strong and bright.
A penny I save is a secret I keep, while I’m busy playing or fast-asleep; for money that stays in my jar today, becomes the big dreams that are headed my way.
An Interesting Sentence
Think of money like little seeds; you can eat a few today by spending them, but if you plant them in a savings jar, they grow into a whole garden of choices for tomorrow.
Money Habit Sentences and Connection
Money Habit Sentences:
Saving money is a great habit! It’s a great habit to pause and think before making a money choice.
Share with kids:
Pay close attention to your money habits. Establishing good money habits will help you have a bright future. Saving and investing every time you earn or receive money are two of the best money habits and choices you can make!
Examples of Money
Cash (paper bills)
Coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters)
Examples of What Is Not Money
Explanation
Toys
Candy
Clothes
Play or pretend money
Related Money Words
Cash • Coins • Bills • Save • Invest • Spend • Give • Interest and Compound Interest
Opposite Money Words
There is no true opposite of money, but words often confused as opposites include: Free • Barter (trading without money)
Questions for Kids
The Goal Question:
"What are some good choices you can make with your money?"
The Emotional Question:
"How do you feel when you have your own money? Does it make you feel proud, excited, or like you want to help someone?"
The Logical Question:
"If you have five dollars and you spend it all today, how much will you have left to buy something tomorrow?"
Quiz: Is this Money?
You find a shiny gold-colored plastic coin at the bottom of your toy box. Can you use it to buy a loaf of bread? No. It’s a toy and play money. Real money is official and accepted by everyone.
You have a green paper bill with a picture of a president on it. Can you use it to pay for a movie ticket? Yes. That is a dollar bill, a real tool used for trading.
Remember
Money is a tool. When kids learn how to use it wisely, it will help them today and tomorrow. It will help them build a bright future. That's what we want!
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.
Related Standards Aligned Lesson Plans
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.
Contact Sammy Today!
We welcome your questions, suggestions, and ideas! Let’s connect, brainstorm, and partner to keep helping kids, families, and communities build strong financial literacy knowledge, habits, and skills—so together, we can create better and brighter futures for all.
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