dozen

¹

[duhz-uhn]

noun

plural

dozens ,

plural

dozen .

1. a group of 12.

2. Slang.,  the dozens, a ritualized game typically engaged in by two persons each of whom attempts to outdo the other in insults directed against members of the other's family (usually used in the phraseplay the dozens ).

adjective

1. twelve.

dozen

²

[doh-zuhn]

verb (used with object)

Scot.

1. to stun.

dozen

/ ˈdʌzən /

determiner

1. 1. twelve or a group of twelve

      a dozen eggs

      two dozen oranges

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

      give me a dozen

      there are at least a dozen who haven't arrived yet

noun

1. in large quantities

2. See baker's dozen

3. to talk without stopping

Other Word Forms

• dozenth adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dozen¹

1250–1300; Middle English dozeine < Old French do ( u ) zaine, equivalent to do ( u ) ze (< Latin duodecim ) + -aine (< Latin -āna ) -an

Origin of dozen²

1325–75; Middle English (Scots); doze ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dozen¹

C13: from Old French douzaine, from douze twelve, from Latin duodecim, from duo two + decem ten

Idioms and Phrases

see baker's dozen; by the dozen; daily dozen; dime a dozen; six of one, half dozen of the other.

Example Sentences

The core vessels in the Gaza Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona, Spain, more than a month ago with volunteers from dozens of countries to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

From Los Angeles Times

Several dozen horses calmly graze along the shores of Mono Lake, a sparkling saline expanse spread out before the jagged Sierra Nevada mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

The report issued dozens of recommendations to “improve coordination of multiple-agency emergency public messages,” “increase the speed and use of all alerting tools” and “create more specific evacuation plans.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thunberg raised her fist as she was presented with flowers and cheered by dozens of supporters who had gathered at Athens airport.

From BBC

The San Diego-based organization is operated by the FAA and uses radar technology to ensure the safe flow of planes through airspace surrounding dozens of airports across Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• twelve