twelve

twelve

noun \ˈtwelv\

Definition of TWELVE

1

: a number equal to one more than 11 — see number table

2

capitalized

a : the twelve original disciples of Jesus

b : the books of the Minor Prophets in the Jewish Scriptures

3

: the 12th in a set or series

4

: something having 12 units or members

5

plural : twelvemo

— twelfth \ˈtwelf(t)th\ adjective or noun

— twelve adjective

— twelve pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of TWELVE

1. “What time is it?” “It's twelve.”
2. I have lunch at twelve.

Origin of TWELVE

Middle English, from Old English twelf; akin to Old High German zwelif twelve, Old English twā two, -leofan (as in endleofan eleven) — more at two, eleven

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with TWELVE

delve, helve, shelve