dozen

¹

[doh-zuhn]

verb (used with object)

Scot.

1. to stun.

dozen

²

[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

/ 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

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

Origin of dozen²

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

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

There he has coached alongside dozens of other ex-major leaguers, part of what he sees as his responsibility to give back to the game by giving opportunities to Black and Hispanic players.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Just a few years ago, Southwest’s rivals flew only first-class, business-class and coach travelers; options now include a dozen characterizations, usually around legroom, entertainment options or boarding priority.

Read more on MarketWatch

The company had said it planned to cut 20,000 jobs and close dozens of buildings this year.

Read more on MarketWatch

Gen. Rob Bonta has filed more than two dozen lawsuits related to HR 1.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

About a dozen people, including some first-timers and dining club regulars, spent that evening chatting about their lives, rebuilding, and of course, the night of the Eaton fire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• twelve