DOZEN


Meaning of DOZEN in English

n.1 (prec. by a or a number) (pl. dozen) twelve, regarded collectively (a dozen eggs; two dozen packets; ordered three dozen).

2 a set or group of twelve (packed in dozens).

3 colloq. about twelve, a fairly large indefinite number.

4 (in pl.; usu. foll. by of) colloq. very many (made dozens of mistakes).

5 (the dozens) a Black American game or ritualized exchange of verbal insults.

Phrases and idioms:

by the dozen in large quantities. talk nineteen to the dozen Brit. talk incessantly.

Derivatives:

dozenth adj. & n.

Etymology: ME f. OF dozeine, ult. f. L duodecim twelve

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.