half-dozen

American  

[half-duhz-uhn, hahf-] / ˈhælfˈdʌz ən, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. one half of a dozen; six.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of half-dozen

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

But, says Rissman, Cache has at least a half-dozen startup competitors targeting the same initial market, industrial heat.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The more, the merrier,” says Vincent Day, who has separate clusters of close friends, some revolving around music, some around work, others from his kids’ school and a half-dozen from high school.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Israel, millions of people rushed to shelters as more than a half-dozen waves of Iranian attacks targeted large parts of the country.

From Los Angeles Times

“Here’s my question, friends: Which one are you ordering a second of?” he asked the group of a half-dozen employees.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times