Pronunciation

change

Singular
penalty

Plural
penalties

  1. (countable) A penalty is a legal punishment for committing a crime.
    The penalty for his crime was to pay a fine.
  2. (countable) A penalty is a punishment for breaking the rules.
  3. (finance) (countable) A penalty is a payment forfeited if you make an early withdrawal from an account or an investment.
  4. (ice hockey) (countable) A penalty is a punishment for breaking the rules of the game; usually, being removed from play for a while.
    A penalty was called when he tripped up his opponent.
change