Pronunciation

/dʌzən/

Definitions

Noun

A dozen is a measure of twelve items, typically used for countable objects like eggs, bottles, or people. It is an archaic term derived from the Old French word ‘douze’ meaning twelve.

Verb

To dozen (as in “dozen something”) can be used informally to mean to give a large quantity or number of something, often in a joking or exaggerated sense.

Phrases

• “A dozen eggs”
• “A dozen steps”
• “A dozen times over”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The bakery sold dozens of fresh-baked bread loaves.”
• Verb: “She had to dozen her friends with invitations for the party.”
• Informal: “He must have dozened the cookies, they were everywhere!”

Synonyms

• Twelve
• Score
• Batch
• Set
• Quartet
• Half a score

Notes

• The use of “dozen” as a verb is informal and often replaced by more specific terms when precise quantities are needed.
• In some contexts, “a dozen and one” or “a baker’s dozen” can refer to thirteen items, with the baker’s dozen being an extra given as a gift or to avoid a fine.