WordGarden.ioeuro
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈɔːrəʊ/
US
- /ˈjuroʊ/
Meanings
Noun
the common currency used by many European Union countries
Adjective
(informal)European or connected with Europe or the European Union
Beyond the definition
The euro (€) isn't just money in your wallet or purse - it's also a symbol of unity for many European nations. Imagine twenty countries agreeing to share one currency. That's the idea behind the euro. It replaced many older currencies, like francs, marks, and lire, to make trade easier and bring countries in the European Union closer together.
You'll hear about the "Eurozone" when people talk about Europe's economy, and you'll see this currency when traveling in countries like France, Germany, or Italy. Not every EU country uses it, though - for example, Sweden and Poland do not. It is also one of the world's major currencies, often compared with the US dollar. It's more than just money; it's also part of Europe's history and goals.
The euro (€) is the official currency of twenty of the twenty-seven member states of the European Union, collectively known as the Eurozone. Introduced in 1999 as an accounting currency and physically in 2002 with coins and banknotes, it was a landmark achievement in European integration. Before the euro, each country within what is now the Eurozone had its own national currency—imagine the hassle of trying to buy something in Italy while only having German marks!
The creation of the euro aimed to simplify trade, reduce exchange rate costs, and promote economic stability across Europe. It's managed by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Eurosystem, which work together to maintain price stability and control monetary policy within the region.
You'll encounter the euro in everyday life when traveling or doing business in participating countries—from buying a croissant in Paris to paying for a hotel room in Berlin. It's also frequently discussed in financial news alongside other major currencies like the US dollar, Japanese yen, and British pound. The strength of the euro often reflects the overall economic health of the Eurozone.
Beyond its practical use as money, the euro has become a symbol of European identity and cooperation—a tangible representation of a shared future for many nations. So next time you see that € sign, remember it represents not just a currency, but a complex history and an ongoing project of unity in Europe.
Examples
- 1
Travel cost
A train ticket to the airport costs twelve euros.
- 2
Coin
Do you have a two-euro coin for the parking meter?
- 3
Menu prices
The menu lists all the prices in euros.
- 4
Cash payment
They agreed to pay me 50 euros in cash.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
EU countries
Several EU countries use the euro, but not all of them do.
- 6
Exchange rates
The euro fell against the dollar after the election.
- Patternfall against + currency
become weaker compared with that currency
See also
Similar
- single currency
- common currency
Contrast
- dollar
- national currency
Used with (collocations)
- pay in euros
- euro exchange rate
- euro area
- euro banknotes
Explore
- eurozone
- European Central Bank
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- euronoun