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

Example Sentences

He is an able guide, piloting us deftly through the economic and cultural intricacies of a half-dozen societies in language that is mostly brisk and well-paced.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And nine women who started at least a half-dozen games last season aren’t there this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

A half-dozen passenger jets flying to Dubai from capitals including London, Warsaw and Moscow were kept in holding patterns for almost half an hour waiting out a strike.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

At least a half-dozen state legislatures are debating bills that could stop new data centers from being built.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

But even then, as he swerved back up onto the porch, Mercedes usually managed to uncork a half-dozen infinitely annoying gravel bits that plinked around his feet before he attained her son’s door.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols