Dozen

Definition

Dozen is a noun that refers to a group or set of twelve items. It is often used as a counting unit in both everyday language and commerce. The term can also be used idiomatically to imply a large but unspecified number of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʌzən/
• Respelling: DUZ-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʌzən/
• Respelling: DUZ-uhn

Etymology

The word "dozen" originates from the Old French "dozaine," which means a group of twelve, derived from Latin "duodecim" (meaning "twelve") from "duo" (two) and "decem" (ten). The term entered Middle English in the 14th century and became widely used as a counting unit.

Derivatives

• Dozens (plural noun)
• Half-dozen (noun)
• Dozenth (adjective)
• Baker’s dozen (noun)
• Gross (noun; equivalent to 12 dozens)

Synonyms

• Twelve
• Set
• Group

Antonyms

• Single
• One
• Individual

Usage

The noun "dozen" is frequently used as a unit of quantity for items typically sold in groups, such as eggs or doughnuts. For example, "He bought a dozen roses." In informal contexts, it may imply an approximate large number, as in "There were dozens of people at the event."

Related Terms

• Unit: A standard measure or quantity.
• Baker’s dozen: A count of thirteen instead of twelve.
• Gross: A total of 144 (or 12 dozen).

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group or set of twelve items: Used as a collective unit to count items.
  • Example: "She ordered a dozen cookies for the party."
• An approximate large quantity of something: Informally refers to a considerable amount, though not exactly twelve.
  • Example: "There were dozens of emails waiting in her inbox."

Adjective

• Relating to or consisting of twelve items: Used to describe a group or quantity of twelve.
  • Example: "They bought a dozen eggs."