Dozen: meaning, definitions and examples

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dozen

[ˈdʌzən ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

quantity

A group or set of twelve.

Synonyms

12, baker's dozen, twelve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dozen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dúzia

🇮🇳 दर्जन

🇩🇪 Dutzend

🇮🇩 lusin

🇺🇦 дюжина

🇵🇱 tuzin

🇯🇵 ダース

🇫🇷 douzaine

🇪🇸 docena

🇹🇷 düzine

🇰🇷 다스

🇸🇦 دزينة

🇨🇿 tucet

🇸🇰 tucet

🇨🇳 打

🇸🇮 ducat

🇮🇸 tugga

🇰🇿 дюжина

🇬🇪 დენა

🇦🇿 düjün

🇲🇽 docena

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.

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3221 virus
3222 controlling
3223 eating
3224 dozen
3225 availability
3226 particle
3227 buried
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