twelve — the number 12; a set or group of twelve items
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the number 12; a set or group of twelve items
Pronunciation (IPA): /twelv/
Example Sentences
- The pizza was cut into twelve slices, but my friend ate eleven of them!
- At twelve years old, I thought I knew everything about life.
- The clock struck twelve, and suddenly I turned into a pumpkin... just kidding, I just got sleepy.
twelve
NOUN[/twelv/]
the number 12; a set or group of twelve items
a cheerful baker carefully arranges freshly baked cupcakes in neat rows on a cooling tray. She places each cupcake one by one, creating a perfect set of colorful treats. The complete arrangement shows exactly a dozen cupcakes with different colored frosting tops. A young apprentice baker watches admiringly as the perfect set is completed. twelve items arranged as a complete group or set. Style: High-quality 2D vector cartoon illustration with bold outlines and warm emotional detail
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Twelve derives from Old English 'twelf', which originated from a compound meaning 'two left'. This reflects an ancient counting system where twelve represented the number remaining after counting ten, expressing two additional units beyond a base of ten.
Breakdown
two (the number 2) + lif/left (remaining, left over). The 'lf' sound in Old English 'twelf' represents the notion of surplus or remainder after the primary count of ten.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pizza was cut into twelve slices, but my friend ate eleven of them!”
“At twelve years old, I thought I knew everything about life.”
“The clock struck twelve, and suddenly I turned into a pumpkin... just kidding, I just got sleepy.”
“We need twelve volunteers for the school festival.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.