twelve

American  

[twelv] / twɛlv /

noun

1. a cardinal number, 10 plus 2.

2. a symbol for this number, as 12 or XII.

3. a set of this many persons or things.

4. the Twelve, the 12 apostles chosen by Christ.

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adjective

1. amounting to 12 in number.

twelve British  

/ twɛlv /

noun

1. the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and two See also number

2. a numeral, 12, XII, etc, representing this number

3. something represented by, representing, or consisting of 12 units

4. Also called: twelve o'clock.  noon or midnight

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determiner

1. 1. amounting to twelve

      twelve loaves

   2. ( as pronoun ) See also dozen

      twelve have arrived

Etymology

Origin of twelve

before 900; Middle English twelve, inflected form of twelf, Old English twelfe literally, (ten and) two leave, i.e., two left over; cognate with Old Frisian twelef, twelf, Old High German zwelif, Old Norse tōlf, Gothic twalif; compare Lithuanian dvýlika; see two, leave ¹, eleven

Example Sentences

The Twelve Colonies fall because the machines hacked all their systems.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

Until now, scientists had only a limited understanding of how the Twelve Apostles developed into the landmark seen today.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

Twelve different political parties were on the ballot paper, and this tightly contested race has come right down to the wire.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Twelve more closures are planned in the coming months across the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Each delivery brought a fresh torrent of mail to Number Twelve Muffinshire Lane.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood