half-dozen

[ half-duhz-uhn, hahf- ]

noun

1. one half of a dozen; six.

adjective

1. considering six as a unit; consisting of six.

half-dozen

determiner

1. preceded by a
   1. six or a group of six

      a half-dozen roses

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as singular or plural )

      at least a half-dozen

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-dozen¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

My daughter was born with a rare genetic disorder and attends weekly medical therapies as well as periodic visits with a half dozen specialists.

From Los Angeles Times

The state of California filed suit against Norwalk on Monday, alleging the southeastern Los Angeles County city’s moratorium on new homeless shelters and supportive housing violates a half dozen housing laws.

From Los Angeles Times

Simply turn a half dozen beds into stairs and ascend.

From Los Angeles Times

Video from the pursuit as the bus made its way through downtown showed the bus being chased by more than a half dozen police vehicles while onlookers rode alongside it on bicycles taking video.

From Los Angeles Times

This year, more than two dozen Republican attorneys general and a half dozen advocacy groups filed lawsuits seeking to block the rollout of new Department of Education regulations.

From Salon