half-dozen

[half-duhz-uhn, hahf-]

noun

1. one half of a dozen; six.

adjective

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

half-dozen

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-dozen¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425