half-dozen

American  

[half-duhz-uhn, hahf-] / ˈhælfˈdʌz ən, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. one half of a dozen; six.

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adjective

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

half-dozen British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of half-dozen

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

“Here’s my question, friends: Which one are you ordering a second of?” he asked the group of a half-dozen employees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

In Israel, millions of people rushed to shelters as more than a half-dozen waves of Iranian attacks targeted large parts of the country.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

And nine women who started at least a half-dozen games last season aren’t there this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

It showed a half-dozen upright missiles moving along the tracked carousel in a cavernous tunnel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

They must have made a half-dozen passes before they were joined by two more.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers