Dozen: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to a group of twelve items. Can be used informally and is understood in most situations.

• I bought a dozen eggs from the store
• There are a dozen cookies in the jar

Often used in more formal or literary contexts where writing out the number is preferable. Can also be used in situations where emphasis on the word is needed.

• There were twelve months in a year
• The clock struck twelve

This numeral is universally understood and is often used in formal writing, lists, and mathematical contexts. It's also used in situations where precision is important.

• We need 12 chairs for the meeting
• She has 12 books on her shelf

Used in a more informal or historical context, referring to 13 items, typically in baking. It is often used to make a situation sound more casual or interesting.

• The bakery gave me a baker's dozen for the price of twelve
• A baker's dozen of muffins just came out of the oven