penniless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When butcher Asser Levy died in Colonial New York, he had gone from penniless immigrant to successful businessperson by meeting the booming city’s food needs.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

He was a humble guy who some said died penniless.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Ms. Ypi tells us that the two had been close enough for her grandfather to once offer to settle the penniless Hoxha’s debts with his Parisian landlady.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

Since he’s secretly penniless, Coop keeps up the posture of affluence.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

I was penniless, stripped of the power that even a few coins bestow.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine