half-dozen

American  

[half-duhz-uhn, hahf-] / ˈhælfˈdʌz ən, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. one half of a dozen; six.

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adjective

1. considering six as a unit; consisting of six.

half-dozen British  

determiner

1. (preceded by a)

   1. six or a group of six

      a half-dozen roses

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as singular or plural )

      at least a half-dozen

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Etymology

Origin of half-dozen

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

half-dozen

He and a half-dozen other academics have thus decided the dates every recession began and ended since.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

Earlier this month, a half-dozen trains between San Diego and Los Angeles were canceled.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

Saunders also noted that a Dunkin’ promo this year offering a free tote bag with the purchase of a half-dozen doughnuts went over well with customers.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 19, 2026

"We're relying on the tweets of a half-dozen people who are all vying for perceived supremacy," he said.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Hatsue found under birch trees a half-dozen destroying angels and pointed them out to her daughters.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

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