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: Nickel
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 nickel is a coin worth five cents.
It is worth more than a penny and less than a dime.
Five pennies have the same value as one nickel.
A Little More Grown-Up
A nickel is a five-cent coin used in the United States. Nickels are often used to make change and help people count money by fives.
Context Clues
You may see the word “nickel” in Sammy Rabbit activities and lesson plans to help kids learn how to count coins and deepen their understanding of money.
Sammy Says
Sammy Says: “Five cents at a time—nickels help your savings grow!”
Money Habit Connection
Learning about nickels helps kids practice counting money, understand coin values, and see how saving small amounts adds up when they make saving and investing habits!
Silly Sentence
My nickel thought it was a superhero because it was worth five whole cents!
Serious Sentence
When you save nickels, you are building your money little by little.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
A nickel here, a nickel there—I count by fives with extra care!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
Each nickel saved, both fast and slow, helps my money start to grow.
Examples of Nickels
A nickel used to buy a small item
Nickels saved in a piggy bank
Nickels counted by fives
Nickels used to make change
Examples of What Is Not a Nickel
Pennies, dimes, or quarters
Paper money (dollar bills)
Digital money
Related Money Words
Coin • Penny • Dime • 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 pennies make the same value as one nickel?”
Remember
Nickels may seem small, but saving them helps your money grow one step at a time.
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.
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.
CONNECT NOW
