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Dozen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dozen

[ˈdʌzən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

quantity

A group or set of twelve.

Synonyms

12, baker's dozen, twelve.

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Word Description / Examples
dozen

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
twelve

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
12

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
baker's dozen

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

Examples of usage

  • She bought a dozen roses for her anniversary.
  • There are a dozen eggs in the carton.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • Twelve is considered a 'highly composite number', meaning it has more divisors than any smaller number, making it useful in various calculations.
  • In ancient cultures, a dozen was often easier to work with than other numbers, allowing for easier division into halves and thirds.
  • The use of dozen is common in trade and commerce, simplifying bulk purchasing and pricing.

Cultural Significance

  • An American dozen eggs signifies a standard quantity sold in stores, representing both convenience and tradition.
  • In some cultures, twelve is seen as a sacred number, representing completeness, as illustrated in the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Many traditions use a dozen as a measure, like a dozen roses, symbolizing love and affection.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'dozen' pops up in popular media and songs, often symbolizing abundance or generosity.
  • Many children's games and stories feature a dozen as a playful way to count or measure, making it relatable for young audiences.
  • Dozen is frequently used in titles of movies and books, such as 'The Dirty Dozen', emphasizing a distinct group or team.

Science

  • In biological contexts, twelve signifies certain important groupings, such as the twelve cranial nerves in humans.
  • The concept of dozen also applies to various fields of science, including chemistry, where molecules may naturally group in twelves.
  • The dozen is used in measurements, like 'a dozen' in the context of carbon atoms in organic compounds.

Origin of 'dozen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'dozaine', which means a group of twelve.
  • It's derived from the Latin word 'duodecim', where 'duo' means 'two' and 'decem' means 'ten', adding up to twelve.
  • Similar terms exist in various languages, like 'dutzend' in German, showing a cultural connection to the number twelve.

The word 'dozen' originated from the Old French word 'dozeine', which came from 'doze', meaning 'twelve'. The concept of a dozen has been used for centuries as a convenient way to count items in quantities of twelve. It is commonly used in various fields such as baking, agriculture, and commerce.

See also: dozer.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,224, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.