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

From a half-dozen fossil skeletons, paleontologists assemble a representative of the Gnatalie species, their best educated assumption of what the animal looked like.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s genuine collegiality amongst the half-dozen candidates, several of whom have been informally running together and lifting each other up, thanks to the new ranked choice system.

From Salon

The day started fittingly, with the half-dozen buses carrying the Dodgers and their families getting stuck in traffic while trying to reach City Hall.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone who has listened to an FM rock station in the last 50 years likely has at least a half-dozen Pink Floyd songs committed to memory.

From Los Angeles Times

They are not as good as a half-dozen other National League teams.

From Los Angeles Times