Monnaie, nf : coins or loose change, or currency in general.

The French word « monnaie » looks and sounds alot like the English word “money.”

The most common meaning of “money” in English refers to currency, both coins and paper, used to purchase something.

In French, « monnaie » can mean currency in general, but often refers to “loose change.”

Les principales monnaies comme l’euro et le dollar ont connu de nombreuses variations avec la crise financière. 
There was a lot of variation in the main currencies, like the euro and the dollar, during the financial crisis.

Pardon, je n’ai pas de monnaie, je n’ai qu’un billet de 20 euros.
Sorry, I don’t have any change; I only have a 20 euro bill.

Voilà 5 euros pour les croissants, n’oublie pas de ramener la monnaie.
Here’s 5 euros for the croissants; don’t forget to bring back the change.